DeLeon heads freshman class

• by Soccer America , Apr 25, 2012

[MLS ROOKIES WATCH] D.C. United's Nick DeLeon is making a strong case early on for MLS Rookie of the Year. In a standout class of young attackers, the son of former Trinidad & Tobago international and NASL star Leroy DeLeon was only taken with the No. 7 pick, but he has been sensational for D.C. United, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Among this year's rookies, only New York goalie Ryan Meara has played more minutes than DeLeon, who played college ball at UNLV and then Louisville. They are among six rookies who have played at least half the time through Week 7. In addition, Raymon Gaddis, who wasn't even invited to the adidas Combine, has started the last two games for the Philadelphia Union.

DeLeon Goal vs. FC Dallas:



DeLeon Goal vs. New York:



DeLeon Goal vs. Los Angeles:



2012 MLS Rookies
MIN. PLAYER (TEAM)
630 Ryan Meara (New York)
523 Nick DeLeon (D.C. United), 3 goals, 2 assists
496 Tony Cascio (Colorado), 1 goal
495 Kelyn Rowe (New York), 1 goal
450 Kirk Urso (Columbus), 1 assist
356 Luis Silva (Toronto FC)
341 Sebastian Velasquez (Real Salt Lake)
336 Andrew Jean-Baptiste (Portland), 1 goal
257 Casey Townsend (Chivas USA), 1 goal
202 Ethan Finlay (Columbus)
180 Raymon Gaddis (Philadelphia)
121 Connor Lade (New York)
114 Andrew Wenger (Montreal), 1 goal
92 Aaron Maund (Toronto FC)
51 Chandler Hoffman (Philadelphia)
30 Tyler Polak (New England)
25 Alec Purdie (New England)
22 Hunter Jumper (Chicago)
21 Matt Hedges (FC Dallas)
18 Christian Hernandez (Philadelphia)
13 Aaron Schoenfeld (Columbus), 1 assist
8 Sam Garza (San Jose)
1 Antoine Hoppenot (Philadelphia)
1 Darren Mattocks (Vancouver)