Gomez selected most valuable player

Frisco, Texas:

DC United midfielder Christian Gomez of Argentina was selected Major League Soccer's most valuable player on Thursday after leading his team with 14 goals during the regular season. Gomez, in his second full MLS season, made 28 starts and two reserve appearances for DC United, which lost in the MLS semifinals. "This will in a way kind of make up for the big sadness we have at DC United for not having moved on,'' Gomez said through an interpreter. Gomez, who turned 32 on Tuesday, has 29 goals in two-plus seasons in the league. "He is not the kind of guy who takes the ball, beats one or two players and whacks one in from 25 yards,'' New York and former US coach Bruce Arena said in October. "He is a guy who will beat you with his brains and skill and quickness.'' Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and Salt Lake forward Jeff Cunningham, who scored a league-leading 16 goals, were the other finalists. Media, players, coaches and general managers vote for the award, which is sponsored by Honda. The announcement was made three days ahead of the MLS Cup final between New England and Houston.