Earthquakes announce end-of-season awards
Johnson, Leitch, Salinas take home honors for 2009 season
The team's Most Valuable Player Ryan Johnson has had a career season in 2009 with San Jose, netting a team-high 10 goals to date. That run has included a three game goal-scoring streak earlier in the season, and he also had a two-game scoring streak from Sept. 27-Oct. 3. The Jamaican forward scored the first goal of the season for the Earthquakes in a 3-2 win over the Houston Dynamo on March 28 and never slowed down. He has provided a big spark emotionally for the team with his unmatched work ethic both in match-play and on the training field. He is the first Quakes player since 2004 to score 10 goals or more in a season.
Leitch came to the Earthquakes in 2009 via trade with the New York Red Bulls and immediately provided much-needed stability in the Earthquakes backline. He has notched a career-high five assists out of his right back spot and helped lead the team's young defensive core with his veteran presence. He has also played the game very cleanly, being given just two cards in his 25 appearances so far for the club.
Humanitarian of the Year Shea Salinas has been an extremely active member of the greater San Jose community in 2009. The Texas native has made countless appearances at schools, churches and youth centers all around the Bay Area. Salinas has mentored many children in the community, teaching them about the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle and working hard both in the classroom and in their communities. He has worked on Earthquakes community projects such as; Amway Kicks for Kids, Get Earthquakes Fit and many other endeavors.
