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Columbus Crew SC

Crew Announces Team Awards

October 24, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew announced the winners of its team awards Tuesday night at its annual Crew Team Awards Ceremony, presented by adidas, held at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. For the sixth straight year, the ceremony was followed by a Casino Night, the proceeds of which benefited the Crew's charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation. Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and midfielder Eddie Gaven came away with three awards each. This year saw the introduction of the Kirk Urso "Heart" award as well as an opportunity for fans to have a say in the Most Valuable Player and Goal of the Year awards.

Andy Gruenebaum - Barbasol Most Valuable Player, Defender of the Year, Breakout Performance

Following the loss of longtime starting goalkeeper William Hesmer due to injury, the Crew turned to Andy Gruenebaum for leadership on the backline. The 29-year-old hasn't disappointed, starting 32 total matches as of week 33 of the MLS regular season, logging 2,830 minutes in goal, eight shutouts and leading Major League Soccer's goalkeepers in total saves with 122.

Jairo Arrieta and Eddie Gaven - Budweiser Golden Boot

This year's Budweiser Golden Boot Award went to two players in Black & Gold. Both Jairo Arrieta and Eddie Gaven are currently even with nine goals each through 33 games. Mid-season newcomer Arrieta has been a revelation in the Crew attack since joining the club from Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa in July. One of the League's premier mid-season signings, Arrieta has burst onto the North American scene with nine strikes in only 17 games, including three multi-goal performances to claim his share of the Budweiser Golden Boot award along with Gaven. With more than 200 appearances across all competitions for the Crew in a stellar seven-year club career, Gaven shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. In his tenth MLS season Gaven has put together his finest offensive performance, notching nine goals to claim a share of the Budweiser Golden Boot.

Kirk Urso - Kirk Urso "Heart" Award

The Kirk Urso Heart Award is a new honor in 2012, named after the Columbus Crew midfielder that passed away earlier this year due to a congenital heart condition. To honor his memory, each season the players will vote on the individual that most embodies Urso's selflessness and tireless work ethic. Urso was renowned for his willingness to help others, and he was strongly admired for his hard-working attitude on and off the field. For all these reasons and many more, the winner of the inaugural Kirk Urso Heart Award is Urso himself.

Eddie Gaven - MLS W.O.R.K.S. / U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year

Eddie Gaven has been a visible community ambassador for the Crew throughout his career in Black & Gold. Since joining the organization, Gaven has poured his heart and soul into community initiatives that have impacted the greater Columbus area. He has participated in the Columbus Crew's School Assembly program, speaking to hundreds of elementary-age children. Gaven has been a staple of the Crew's visits to Nationwide Children's Hospital and Easter Seals program. He has been part of the Crew's litter and graffiti clean-up efforts with Keep Columbus Beautiful and the Greater Linden Development Corporation during the Crew's "Massive Makeover" project. Additionally, Gaven has been a long-time supporter of the St. Stephen's House Community Food and Toy Drive. He has also donated his favorite personal items as part of a "player basket" for the Crew Soccer Foundation's sports memorabilia fundraising.

Julius James - OhioHealth Comeback Player of the Year

Julius James is the recipient of the OhioHealth Comeback Player of the Year Award after overcoming multiple obstacles in 2012. Since returning from major shoulder surgery in the offseason, James suffered a collapsed lung in early April during a practice session, sending him to the hospital for emergency treatment. Despite his lengthy recovery, James has worked his way back into the team during the Crew's end of season run, playing in 12 matches this year on the backline. Additionally, the central defender has battled further shoulder ailments down the stretch. In spite of these difficulties, James continues to be a steady contributor to the club's defensive efforts, and his recovery has been a welcome sight for the Crew organization and its fans.

Sebastian Miranda - Goal of the Year

While there were many options for Goal of the Year, including Justin Meram's stunning curler over the head of Jon Busch in San Jose, Emilio RenterÃ-a's 25-yard chip in Seattle, Jairo Arrieta's blast against Sporting Kansas City, and Federico HiguaÃ-n's free kick strike in the Crew's victory over the New England Revolution, fans voted and the choice was clear: Sebastián Miranda's 20-yard header to help the Crew to victory over FC Dallas was the most Massive of them all.

Eddie Gaven and Chad Marshall - Special Recognition, The 200 Club

Few players have exemplified the pride and tradition of the Crew organization as much as Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven. The two longest-tenured field players on the current roster, Marshall and Gaven are now over the 200 games-played mark for the Crew in Major League Soccer competitions, putting them in rare company in franchise history. Currently in his ninth season in Black & Gold, Marshall has logged more than 20,000 minutes for the Crew throughout his career en route to becoming team captain and a defensive mainstay. Fellow iron man Gaven has 51 regular season goals and 33 assists to his name in more than 16,000 minutes. Only four players in club history have reached the 200-game plateau, the other two being Jeff Cunningham and Mike Clark

Ben Swanson - Crew Soccer Academy 15/16s Player of the Year

Ben Swanson's performances on the field for the Black & Gold over the past two years have earned him a spot as one of the youngest players in the United States U-17 National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. The Grove City native will play an integral part in the team's attempt to qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Zach Mason - Crew Soccer Academy 17/18s Player of the Year

Zach Mason's tireless work rate, ability to play his best in crucial matches, and outstanding leadership qualities have made him only the second repeat MVP in Crew Soccer Academy history. Mason is currently a freshman starter at Ohio State and will be a critical part of the group that will defend the Crew's U-19 National Championship next summer.

Sage Gardner - Crew Soccer Academy 19/20s Player of the Year

A steady, skillful defender, Sage Gardner captained the U-19 National Champions and U-20 National Finalists over last summer. A three-year starter at Ohio State, Gardner will be a key leader as the U-20s seek to win their third National Championship in four years next summer.

Alex Thomas - Jim Nelson Fan of the Year Award

Alex has been with the Crew since day one. Many have gotten to know him over the years for the energy and rhythm he helps provide the Nordecke on game days while banging the drums in Section 142. Alex has always been passionate about the Crew, a fact made clear by his unwavering support of the Black & Gold over the years. His devotion is on display not just on match days, but every day of the year. One simply needs to visit Café del Mondo in Italian Village to see Alex's love of the Crew on display. Upon entering the parking lot, you are greeted by Crew flags waving above the patio and as you continue into the dining area memorabilia adorns the walls.

This year, Alex brought his commitment to a whole new level. The chef had become obsessed with feeding "his boys" to the point that he convinced his mother Bruna and step-father Bill to become official team partners of the Crew in 2012.

Alex is truly 'Columbus 'til he dies' and has been a MASSIVE part of Crew Soccer Nation for many years.

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