D.C. United have announced the club’s 2016 season award-winners.
In his third season with D.C. United, defender Steve Birnbaum was awarded the Black-and-Red's 2016 Most Valuable Player award and Defender of the Year honors. The center back enjoyed a career year, making 26 appearances, scoring three goals, recording two assists and taking 33 shots for the Black-and-Red in 2016. The 25-year-old led the team in aerial duels won (64.0%) and was a key component in the third-stingiest defense in the Eastern Conference allowing only 47 goals.
Since his Black-and-Red debut on November 2, 2014, the California native has improved statistically each season, playing in more games, taking more shots and scoring more goals for United every year. His standout performances during the season also earned him a spot on the 2016 MLS All-Star team that played Arsenal FC in July.
Lamar Neagle’s nine regular season goals earned him the 2016 Golden Boot award for D.C. United. In his first season with the Black-and-Red, Neagle was a notable offensive influence, helping the team with nine goals and six assists in 31 appearances. The midfielder scored some sensational goals in his first season with the Black-and-Red, with the most notable coming as a thunderous volley against New England on June 25. The game-winning goal was nominated for the 2016 MLS Goal of the Year award. The 29-year-old went on to make a habit of scoring in the second half of the season, scoring six goals in the final nine games of the regular season to help the Black-and-Red earn a fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference.
MLS veteran defender Sean Franklin played an active role in assisting D.C. United in the community en route to being named the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year. Throughout the season, Franklin dedicated time and effort to numerous events, such as helping to create cards for military families who lost loved ones during Armed Forces Week and playing an integral piece in D.C. United's Get Fit program, including visiting multiple schools in the district to teach them about the importance of staying fit, active and living a healthy lifestyle. Franklin’s selfless nature was embodied by the time and effort he put into helping make the D.C. community a better place.
