FILE PHOTO: Sep 29, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Andre Shinyashiki (99) controls the ball in the second half against FC Dallas at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Rapids forward Andre Shinyashiki is the 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year.
The 22-year-old Brazilian topped all league rookies with seven goals and added three assists in 31 matches during the regular season. The Rapids were unbeaten (5-0-3) when he registered either a goal or an assist.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Brenden Aaronson finished second in the voting announced Tuesday, followed by Minnesota United FC midfielder Hassani Dotson, FC Cincinnati midfielder Frankie Amaya and Minnesota defender Chase Gasper.
Shinyashiki is the second Rapids player to win the award, joining midfielder Dillon Powers (2013).
Shinyashiki’s season highlights included a late tally to salvage a 3-3 draw for 10-man Colorado against the Portland Timbers in the season opener on March 2, and the game-winning goal against the LA Galaxy on May 19. He scored both goals in a 2-0 defeat of the Seattle Sounders on Sept. 7, earning MLS Player of the Week honors.
—Field Level Media