New England's Goncalves is MLS Defender of Year
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New York • New England's Jose Goncalves has been voted Major League Soccer's Defender of the Year.
The 28-year-old Portuguese central defender played every minute of the Revolution's 34 league games and scored a pair of goals, both decisive. He was loaned to New England from Switzerland's Sion in January, and the Revolution last week exercised their right to purchase his contract.
Goncalves received the most team, media and player votes, the league said Tuesday. Kansas City's Matt Besler was second after winning the award last year. Omar Gonzalez of the Los Angeles Galaxy, the 2011 winner, was third.
Hilario Grajeda was voted referee of the year, followed by Ismail Elfath and Baldomero Toledo.