[MLS] Columbus Crew defender Chad Marshall was voted the Visa Defender of the Year for the second consecutive season, and referees Alex Prus and Greg Barkey were voted as the adidas Referee of the Year and adidas Assistant Referee of the Year.
 
Marshall anchored a Columbus defense that allowed only 31 goals during the regular season - a record low for the Crew. Marshall played in and started 18 games during the regular season. National team duty and injuries (knee sprain) kept him out of 10 games.
 
Marshall joins Carlos Bocanegra and Robin Fraser as the only two-time Defender of the Year award winners.

Marshall led the voting ahead of Seattle Sounders FC defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron, the other finalists for the award.

MLS Defender of the Year Winners:
2009: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
2008: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew
2007: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution
2006: Bobby Boswell - D.C. United
2005: Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards
2004: Robin Fraser - Columbus Crew
2003: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2002: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire
2001: Jeff Agoos - San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Peter Vermes - Kansas City Wizards
1999: Robin Fraser - Los Angeles Galaxy
1998: Lubos Kubik - Chicago Fire
1997: Eddie Pope - D.C. United
1996: John Doyle - San Jose Earthquakes
 
adidas Referee of the Year Winners:
2009: Alex Prus
2008: Jair Marrufo
2007: Brian Hall
2006: Brian Hall
2005: Brian Hall
2004: Abiodun 'Abbey' Okulaja
2003: Brian Hall
2002: Kevin Terry
2001: Paul Tamberino
2000: Paul Tamberino
1999: Paul Tamberino
1998: Paul Tamberino
1997: Esse Baharmast 
 
adidas Assistant Referee of the Year Winners:
2009: Greg Barkey
2008: Kermit Quisenberry