Post by epjr on Nov 3, 2010 17:59:34 GMT -6
Growing Up Fast
Najar honored, humbled to win Rookie of the Year
WASHINGTON – Andy Najar has been laying low since the conclusion of D.C. United’s season – eating, sleeping in, spending time with his family and girlfriend, and generally doing his best to recover from a draining debut campaign.
But the quiet 17-year-old had to put all that aside for a few hours on Wednesday as he was thrust back into the spotlight with the news that he’d won the MLS Rookie of the Year award. Arriving at RFK Stadium at midday, Najar was greeted by a standing ovation from a throng of United employees, then soon found himself wading through a litany of media coverage on the latest and greatest accomplishment of his breakout year.
And in another sign of his steady growth as both a player and a person, the shy Najar conducted interviews in both Spanish and English.
“That was big news for me,” he said of his reaction to the news that he’d edged out finalists Tim Ream and Danny Mwanga for the league prize. “I was so excited, I didn’t say anything. For me, it’s a big thing to win this award, the Rookie of the Year. It’s a big thing for my life.”
www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/najar-grows-fast-humbled-rookie-award
Najar honored, humbled to win Rookie of the Year
WASHINGTON – Andy Najar has been laying low since the conclusion of D.C. United’s season – eating, sleeping in, spending time with his family and girlfriend, and generally doing his best to recover from a draining debut campaign.
But the quiet 17-year-old had to put all that aside for a few hours on Wednesday as he was thrust back into the spotlight with the news that he’d won the MLS Rookie of the Year award. Arriving at RFK Stadium at midday, Najar was greeted by a standing ovation from a throng of United employees, then soon found himself wading through a litany of media coverage on the latest and greatest accomplishment of his breakout year.
And in another sign of his steady growth as both a player and a person, the shy Najar conducted interviews in both Spanish and English.
“That was big news for me,” he said of his reaction to the news that he’d edged out finalists Tim Ream and Danny Mwanga for the league prize. “I was so excited, I didn’t say anything. For me, it’s a big thing to win this award, the Rookie of the Year. It’s a big thing for my life.”
www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/najar-grows-fast-humbled-rookie-award