Recently in Polls Category

You've heard the news, now take the poll:

And if you've got more to say, feel free to leave a comment

I took Monday off.

And although the result of the poll asking readers to pick the year's most influential soccer figure in Southern California seems a foregone conclusion, I'm extending the voting period through New Year's Day to give those preoccupied with the holidays an opportunity to vote.

Cast your vote here.

To make up for the lack of a column check out this YouTube video of some of soccer's silliest moments of 2009 (viewer discretion advised due to the nature of some songs on the soundtrack, BTW):

Read the column here.

Take the poll:

Thanks for voting - and reading. Expect light posting the rest of the week while 100 Percent Soccer takes a midwinter nap.

Read it here.

And don't forget to take the Goalkeeper of the Year poll.

Here's the full list as released today by MLS:

Goalkeeper of the Year
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Donovan Ricketts - Los Angeles Galaxy
Zach Thornton - Chivas USA

Fair Play Finalists - Individual
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Pat Onstad - Houston Dynamo
Steve Ralston - New England Revolution

Comeback Player of the Year
Brian McBride - Chicago Fire
Ben Olsen - D.C. United
Zach Thornton - Chivas USA

Visa Defender of the Year
Geoff Cameron - Houston Dynamo
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - Seattle Sounders FC
Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew

adidas Referee of the Year
Alex Prus
Ricardo Salazar
Kevin Stott

Rookie of the Year
Stefan Frei - Toronto FC
Omar Gonzalez - Los Angeles Galaxy
Chris Pontius - D.C. United

Coach of the Year
Bruce Arena - Los Angeles Galaxy
Sigi Schmid - Seattle Sounders FC
Robert Warzycha - Columbus Crew

Newcomer of the Year
Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC
Freddie Ljungberg - Seattle Sounders FC
Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders FC

Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player
Jeff Cunningham - FC Dallas
Landon Donovan - Los Angeles Galaxy
Shalrie Joseph - New England Revolution

MLS begins handing out awards Wednesday when the Goalkeeper of the Year and Fair Play Award (Individual & Team) are named.

Not much to quibble about there. Any notable omissions? Surprise contenders? But if Dallas had made the playoffs, Cunningham would have had a strong case for MVP. And did Olsen really "come back?"

The first one is a toughie and has an obvious local angle.

(With apologies to Mr. Thornton for misspelling his surname in the poll).

Briefly:
*An excellent Landon Donovan profile is here. I'm betting LD heads to Europe sooner rather than later.

Which reminds me - have you cast your vote yet for the Honda Player of the Year poll? Do it here.

Lastly, the Cal State Northridge men won their conference opener against UC Riverside Wednesday and next face New Mexico. More here.

Or should that be Brazil for brunch? After all, the South Americans only narrowly beat South Africa today in the second Confederations Cup semifinal.

Vote below and elaborate in the comments section if you wish.

Updated Monday 9 a.m.: A belated clarification to the first question in the poll. I should have written "Will propel the team TOWARD the MLS Cup." In other words, choose that option if you believe Beckham will IMPROVE the Galaxy when he returns. And thanks for voting

And yeah, I know it's a mouthful.

More information - and the poll - is here.

I'll pull the plug on this and declare a winner at noon Thursday, although it doesn't appear there's much doubt who it will be.

Thanks to all who took the time to vote.

'Tis the season.

Not only for journalists to use that over-used phrase, but for largely meaningless end of year awards. Still, they're also fun.

So this blog is joining the party with a highly prestigious (ahem) award of our own: the 100 Percent Soccer Southern California Soccer Personality of the Year.

Read the column then cast your vote. We'll announce the winner New Year's Day.

Thanks for reading.