The Houston Dynamo announced their 2015 team awards on Wednesday night at Dynamo Celebration, the club’s annual year-end event presented by Halliburton Charitable Foundation. Midfielder Ricardo Clark captured three club awards: Most Valuable Player, Players’ Player of the Year, and Humanitarian of the Year.
It is the first Dynamo MVP (media vote) award for Clark in his eight seasons with the Dynamo. Clark wins his second Players’ Player of the Year (player vote) after receiving the same honor in 2013. Clark doubled his previous career high with eight regular-season goals in 30 appearances (all starts) and added a ninth goal in the U.S. Open Cup. He scored four goals in the final nine games of the season. Clark started 30 regular-season games for the first time since 2006 and compiled 2,573 minutes, his most since 2006. The Atlanta native also set career highs with 59 shots and 21 shots on goal.
The 32-year-old won Dynamo Humanitarian of the Year for the first time after his contributions to Positive Passes, an organization he founded in 2013 dedicated to positive work, focused on empowering youth through the sport of soccer. Clark led multiple events off the field to spread the Positive Passes message.
Will Bruin won his second career Dynamo Budweiser Golden Boot with 11-regular season goals, one shy of his career high, set in 2012. Bruin is the first player in Dynamo history to score 10 or more goals in three seasons (2012, 2014, and 2015). The 25-year-old also scored in the U.S. Open Cup for 12 goals in all competitions and added four assists this season. The St. Louis native became the second player in club history to surpass 50 career goals in all competitions (53) and is now 10 goals shy of Brian Ching for the most regular-season goals in club history (56).
Raúl Rodríguez was named Newcomer of the Year after appearing in 27 games (all starts) and adding two goals in his first season in Houston. The Barcelona native helped stabilize a back line that allowed nine fewer goals in 2015 than 2014 and played across the defense, including center back and right back.
DaMarcus Beasley was voted Defender of the Year after setting an MLS career high with 28 appearances (all starts). The four-time World Cup veteran was voted to the MLS All-Star Game Fan XI and started against Tottenham Hotspur for his fourth MLS All-Star selection. Beasley tallied a goal and an assist an also returned to the U.S. men’s national team, extending his streak to 15 consecutive years with an appearance for the U.S.
Defender David Horst earned Ironman of the Year after leading all field players with 2,603 minutes this season. Horst set career highs with 32 appearances and 28 starts and started the final 24 games of the regular season.
Midfielder Leonel Miranda was named Young Player of the Year (23 and under) after tallying two goals and one assist in his first season with the Dynamo on loan from Argentinian club Independiente. Miranda, 21, made 20 appearances (11 starts) and also notched a goal in the U.S. Open Cup.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker was honored with the Forever Orange Award as an outstanding outside contributor to the club.
“Mayor Parker has been a tremendous ally to the Dynamo over the last several years,” said Dynamo president Chris Canetti. “We are fortunate to have had her in office during the formative years of our organization. Her support has led to the development of many things, including the stadium and the training complex, that will have long-term impacts on our club. It is most appropriate to be recognizing her tonight with this award. Thank you, Mayor Parker.”
Miranda also earned Goal of the Year honors for his dribble and chip versus the LA Galaxy on July 25 (WATCH: Leonel Miranda’s Goal of the Year.)
Goalkeeper Tyler Deric secured the Save of the Year nod for his diving save of a free kick against Orlando City SC’s Kaka on March 13. (WATCH:Tyler Deric’s Save of the Year.)
Christian Lucatero (U-18s) earned Dynamo Academy Player of the Year honors while Charly Flores (U-18s) was voted the Dynamo Academy Players’ Player of the Year.
Other award winners: Wally Elarusi (Fan of the Year) and Andrea Singletary (Team Spirit Award). The Dynamo Charities event was held at the Tecate Light Terrace inside BBVA Compass Stadium. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Dynamo Charities.
The full list of 2015 Dynamo Awards winners:
Most Valuable Player: Ricardo Clark
Players’ Player of the Year: Ricardo Clark
Budweiser Golden Boot: Will Bruin (most regular season goals)
Newcomer of the Year: Raúl Rodríguez
Defender of the Year: DaMarcus Beasley
Ironman of the Year: David Horst (most regular season minutes by a field player)
Young Player of the Year: Leonel Miranda
Dynamo Humanitarian of the Year: Ricardo Clark
Goal of the Year: Leonel Miranda dribble and chip versus LA Galaxy (88th Minute – July 25)
Save of the Year: Tyler Deric save against Kaka free kick versus Orlando City SC (41st minute – March 13)
Dynamo Academy Player of the Year: Christian Lucatero
Dynamo Academy Players’ Player of the Year: Charly Flores
Forever Orange Award: Houston Mayor Annise Parker (outstanding outside contributor)
Fan of the Year: Wally Elarusi
Team Spirit Award: Andrea Singletary
Game of the Year: July 25 vs. LA Galaxy (3-0 win)
