http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Philadelphia-Union-c40231 midfielder Michael Farfan nominated for Rookie of the Year award – MLS News
The 23rd overall MLS SuperDraft pick and Philadelphia Union midfielder, Michael Farfan, was nominated for the 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year award on Thursday, November 10.
He is among the top five contenders for the award but the only one who was not picked in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft.
The reason for not being the selectors’ first choice in the SuperDraft might be because of his mediocre performance in 2011 MLS Combine - a showcase staged prior to the preseason where new players are tested by selectors and coaches.
“At the combine, everything is 100 miles per hour and everyone is trying to get their name out there,” Farfan told the media. “So it’s hard to play as you might play a regular game. It’s more of an individual thing.”
The Union availed the opportunity in the second round to sign the youngster and the decision paid the dividends.
Although the player started his professional career in the defence instead of his regular midfield position, he proved his versatility right away. The hard work paid off and Farfan was given a permanent spot in his regular defensive midfield position.
After playing off the bench in the first 15 games, the player started for the Union in the rest of the season, owing to his flamboyant performances, and cemented his position in the starting line-up. The University of North Carolina graduate scored two goals
and notched three assists in his maiden year, making it to the Rookie award nomination.
In addition to adding to his MLS goal-account, the player also scored against La Liga giants, Real Madrid, in an international friendly in July. The player lobbed the ball from outside the penalty area, past a diving http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Casillas-c16815.
Michael’s twin brother, Gabriel Farfan, was also acquired by the Union this year. Instead of manning the midfield position, Gabriel filled a huge void at the left-back spot throughout the season. Unfortunately, he could not make it for the Rookie award nomination.
“He was in a position he hadn’t played much, and I think he did well,” Michael said. “It’s hard to learn a new position.”
However, it is expected that the twins will be a regular fixture in the midfield when the Union undertake the 2012 campaign come March.
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