Colorado Rapids forward Andre Shinyashiki has been named 2019 AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year, the league announced Tuesday.
Selected No. 5 in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the Rapids, Shinyashiki had seven goals and three assists across 31 appearances (18 starts) in his rookie campaign. He got his first goal in his MLS debut, scoring a late equalizer in the snow during stoppage time of the Rapids' 3-3 draw with the Portland Timbers. Shinyashiki established himself as an impact player for Colorado as the club compiled an unbeaten 6-0-3 record in regular season matches where he recorded either a goal or an assist.
Shinyashiki's presence with the club grew as the season wore on, starting 17 of the club's final 21 matches. He was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 27 after scoring a brace in his side's 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.
The 22-year-old Brazilian played four seasons at the University of Denver, exploding for 28 goals in his senior season. He was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy and won the Senior CLASS Award, recognizing his excellence on the field and in the classroom. He also featured for the Rapids U-23 side in PDL play during his time in Denver.
Shinyashiki is the second player in club history to win the award, after Dillon Powers won it in 2013, finishing ahead of Philadelphia Union midfielder Brenden Aaronson and Minnesota United's Hassani Dotson.
The AT&T Rookie of the Year was voted on by MLS club technical staff, media and current MLS players. Below is a breakdown of the voting results:
Voting Results
Nominee |
Player
Vote |
Club
Vote |
Media
Vote |
Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Andre Shinyashiki (COL) |
32.41% |
31.31% |
34.01% |
32.58% |
Brenden Aaronson (PHI) |
15.52% |
32.32% |
25.51% |
24.45% |
Hassani Dotson (MIN) |
14.48% |
14.14% |
16.60% |
15.07% |
Frankie Amaya (CIN) |
5.86% |
3.03% |
4.05% |
3.98% |
Chase Gasper (MIN) |
5.52% |
3.03% |
2.83% |
3.79% |
AT&T Rookie of the Year Winners
- 2019: Andre Shinyashiki – Colorado Rapids
- 2018: Corey Baird – Real Salt Lake
- 2017: Julian Gressel – Atlanta United
- 2016: Jordan Morris – Seattle Sounders
- 2015: Cyle Larin – Orlando City SC
- 2014: Tesho Akindele – FC Dallas
- 2013: Dillon Powers – Colorado Rapids
- 2012: Austin Berry – Chicago Fire
- 2011: CJ Sapong – Sporting Kansas City
- 2010: Andy Najar – D.C. United
- 2009: Omar Gonzalez – LA Galaxy
- 2008: Sean Franklin – LA Galaxy
- 2007: Maurice Edu – Toronto FC
- 2006: Jonathan Bornstein – Chivas USA
- 2005: Michael Parkhurst – New England Revolution
- 2004: Clint Dempsey – New England Revolution
- 2003: Damani Ralph – Chicago Fire
- 2002: Kyle Martino – Columbus Crew
- 2001: Rodrigo Faria – MetroStars
- 2000: Carlos Bocanegra – Chicago Fire
- 1999: Jay Heaps – Miami Fusion
- 1998: Ben Olsen – D.C. United
- 1997: Mike Duhaney – Tampa Bay Mutiny
- 1996: Steve Ralston – Tampa Bay Mutiny
