[MLS AWARDS] Colorado Rapids defender Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. is the is the recipient of the 2008 U.S. Soccer Foundation-MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Burciaga Jr., a seven-year MLS veteran and Oak Cliff, Texas, native, has been active in philanthropic efforts throughout 2008. He is being recognized as an exemplary athlete within the community based on his work with the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program and the establishment of his foundation, the Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. Foundation. Burciaga Jr.'s foundation focuses on the positive impact of sports and the ideals of teamwork, discipline, and respect in the developing of young minds. The foundation promotes youth involvement in sports, education, community service and cultural awareness.

U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Winners
2008: Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. (Colorado Rapids)
2007: Diego Gutierrez (Chicago Fire)
2006: Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)
2005: Brian Kamler (Real Salt Lake)
2004: Chris Henderson (Colorado Rapids)
2003: Ben Olsen (D.C. United)
2002: Steve Jolley( MetroStars)
2001: Tim Howard (MetroStars)
2000: Abdul T. Conteh (San Jose Earthquakes)