USL News Release

TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced the W-League honors for the 2010 season, naming the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Coach of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year. The awards were presented at a banquet at the 2010 W-League Championship Presented by Umbro in Santa Clarita, California. Voting was conducted by W-League coaches and general managers.

Most Valuable Player – Kelly Parker, Buffalo Flash

Parker, who previously captured the W-League MVP in 2004, becomes the first repeat winner in W-League history. It’s hard to argue against the season Parker has enjoyed while leading the Flash to the 2010 W-League title game, which will be televised live at 10 p.m. ET Saturday on FOX Soccer Channel. Parker led the W-League in both goals (11) and points (27) in 2010.

Rookie of the Year – Rashidah Sherman, New York Magic
 

There wasn’t much doubt about the recipient of the 2010 W-League Rookie of the Year Award. Sherman, who made the Magic a dangerous team to face every night, finished second to Parker in goals and points and was also an MVP finalist.

Defender of the Year – Sue Weber, Long Island Rough Riders
 

Yet another repeat winner, Weber anchored the Long Island defense this season and added a goal and two assists in the process. An experienced and feared defender with WPS experience, Weber also captured the honor in 2008. A former U.S. U-17 National Team member, Weber was a two-time college All-American at Hofstra University.

Coach of the Year – Hubert Busby, Jr. – Vancouver Whitecaps
 

It’s not hard to figure out why Busby was selected by his peers as the 2010 W-League Coach of the Year. After posting only three wins in 2009, Busby has the Whitecaps on the verge of a title heading into Saturday night’s W-League Championship against the Buffalo Flash. Included in Vancouver’s impressive season are three wins against the two-time champion Pali Blues and a semifinal upset of the regular season champion Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues.

Goalkeeper of the Year – Alyssa Whitehead, Charlotte Lady Eagle

You can’t argue with the numbers. In 10 games played, Whitehead allowed only four goals while leading Charlotte into the conference playoffs after a second-place finish in the Atlantic Division.

Votes for the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year awards are submitted by W-League team management. Rookie of the Year finalists are determined by All-Conference voting, while the Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year are chosen based on total All-Conference votes.