Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard and forward Andre Shinyashiki were unveiled as finalists in Major League Soccer’s end-of-season awards, the league announced today. Howard is a finalist for the 2019 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year award, while Shinyashiki is in the running for the 2019 AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year award.
“We’re beyond thrilled and proud to see Tim and Andre recognized for their hard work and commitment on and off the pitch,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager.
Howard recently called time on a 22-year professional soccer that spanned from Major League Soccer to the English Premier League. The former US men’s national team goalkeeper made 102 appearances and registered 334 saves during his four seasons with the Rapids, guiding the team to a 2016 Western Conference Finals appearance. Diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome (TS) at a young age, Howard has worked to develop his “Howard’s Heroes” program since his arrival in Colorado in 2016. The program hosts children and families with TS at a Rapids match, both home and away, and provides them with the opportunity to personally meet with Howard after the game.
“Since his first day with us, Tim has shown what it means to be a leader and an exceptional human being, not just through his performances in goal, but also off the field through his work with Howard’s Heroes and serving as an advocate for children affected by Tourette's Syndrome.”
Shinyashiki was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Rapids in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The former University of Denver standout made his MLS debut in the Rapids’ 2019 home opener against the Portland Timbers, scoring in the dying moments of a dramatic 3-3 draw and in what was the coldest game recorded in MLS history. A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Shinyashiki finished his rookie year with 31 appearances for the Rapids, 18 as starts, scoring seven goals and assisting three in that span. If he wins, Shinyashiki would be just the second Colorado Rapids player in MLS history to receive the award after Dillon Powers won the honors in 2013.
“Andre had a blistering start to his rookie year and has shown everyone why we valued him so highly in the last MLS SuperDraft,” added Smith. “We’re excited to see his career progress with the club.”
The awards finalists were determined by votes from current MLS players, MLS club technical staffs (coaches, technical directors/GMs) and a select group of media members. Winners will be announced at a later date.
The full list of MLS’s 2019 year-end awards finalist can be viewed HERE.
