MLS Awards finalists: Keane, Gruenebaum notable omissions

Two clear omissions stood out as finalists for Major League Soccer honors dropped today. Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was not among the threesome of finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year, and Robbie Keane was jilted as a Most Valuable Player candidate.

Neither was some stunning screamer of an omission; let’s call them “misdemeanor” level indiscretions rather than “felony” level. (The finalists are the top three vote getters in a weighted combination of media, player and management balloting.)

The finalists for Goalkeeper of the Year are:

• Michael Gspurning, Seattle Sounders
• Dan Kennedy, Chivas USA
• Jimmy Nielsen, Sporting Kansas City

As for Gruenebaum (pictured), he was simply outstanding in a full year of replacement duty for injured No. 1 William Hesmer. He certainly passed the eye test all year, but one big chunk of statistical evidence also exists to provide a supporting case: Gruenebaum was first in MLS in saves (124).

Columbus wasn’t very good, save for a brightly let stretch at the end of summer. Otherwise, Gruenebaum was more responsible than anyone around Crew Stadium for keeping Columbus in playoff contention until the last couple of weeks. He was voted team MVP and Defender of the Year, as well.

In my book, Dan Kennedy probably should come off the finalist list. I hate to say it, because he had so little defensive support at the end. But those numbers – egad! It would take a lot of research to prove, but I be his goals-against average (1.69) is the highest in 17 MLS seasons for a Goalkeeper of the Year finalist.

(MORE: ProSoccerTalk’s Goalkeeper of the Year conversation)

Not that it really matters, because Chris Wondolowski will be the runaway winner when this puppy is handed out, but the finalists for MVP are:

• Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls
• Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
• Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City

Keane’s case is a little more difficult to make since he started so slowly, out of the gate like New Hampshire molasses, just like the rest of his team.

But what a finish! The Galaxy’s Irish international was probably Major League Soccer’s top striker over the last two months. Thanks to that sizzling close, Keane finished fourth in league goals (16) and tied for ninth in assists (9).

Zusi had a fabulous season. But he contributed directly to 20 goals, five short of Keane. And as I’ve said before, I would call Roger Espinoza’s contributions in Sporting Kansas City’s midfield even more important to the Eastern champs this year than Zusi’s.

(MORE: ProSoccerTalk’s Most Valuable Player conversation)