PORTLAND, Ore.
– Portland Timbers defender Mike Randolph is one of three finalists for the Rookie of the Year award for the 2006 USL First Division season, it was announced today.
Randolph, who was signed to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s developmental roster last week following the conclusion of the Timbers’ season, appeared in 25 matches with Portland, tallying one assist and compiling 2,170 minutes played, which ranked third on the team. The versatile defender broke into the starting lineup during the Timbers’ second game of the season and started in each of his 25 matches played during the year, missing just two games down the stretch – one due to injury and one due to a league-mandated suspension.
“Mike is a great player and has a bright future in the game, and we are pleased to have been involved with his continued development during his first professional season,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers.
The 20-year-old joined the Timbers after a standout collegiate career at Yavapai College in Arizona, where he helped lead the Roughriders to a 24-2 record and an Arizona Community College Athletic Conference championship in 2005. Randolph, who was the ACCAC Player of the Year in 2004, also led Yavapai to a nationwide second-place finish in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in 2005.
Randolph, a native of Chino Hills, Calif., is up against forward Cam Weaver of the Seattle Sounders and defender Kenney Bertz of the Rochester Raging Rhinos for the rookie honor.
The winner of the Rookie of the Year award, along with Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year and Defender of the Year honors for the league, will be announced at the Championship Teams Banquet next week.
