For the first time since 1990, when Mark Dodd won the award with the WSL's Colorado Foxes, a goalie is the A-League MVP.
Minnesota Thunder keeper John Swallen won the 1999 award.
The 34-year-old St. Paul, Minn., native recorded the league's best goals-against average of 0.56, a league-high 11 shutouts and a league-best 17 wins. He surrendered only 13 goals in 24 appearances and led the Thunder to a franchise-record 22 wins.
"Ive played with him for nine years and this has been by far his best season," said Thunder forward Amos Magee. "The organization of the defense has been excellent, and even when the defense gets broken down, teams still have to find a way to beat Swallen."
Swallen has ranked among the top 10 goalkeepers in each of the last five seasons, including 1997 when he finished third in the league with a 0.92 goals-against average.
That season is the only time in Minnesota's six-year history in which it did not qualify for the postseason.
"John has had what I think is a career year," said Minnesota coach Buzz Lagos. "It's nice to see it come so late in his career."
Swallen's season-opening shutout string ended at 497 minutes in a 2-1 shootout loss in Vancouver. He closed the regular season with another impressive streak, holding opponents scoreless for 232 minutes.
"Our defense has been excellent this season, but he is a big reason for that," Lagos said. "He has been stable and steady and has made big saves in big games time and time again."
Prior to last season, Swallen trained with MLS Chicago Fire on a preseason trip to Mexico.
The Ripon College graduate received first-feam All-A-League honors in 19999 and was named to the A-League all-star team for the second consecutive season.
1999 A-LEAGUE AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
John Swallen Minnesota Thunder
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
Scott Schweitzer Rochester Raging Rhinos
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Greg Simmonds Hershey Wildcats
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
John Swallen Minnesota Thunder
COACH OF THE YEAR
Paul Riley Long Island Rough Riders
A-LEAGUE MVP
1999 John Swallen Minnesota
1998 Mark Baena Seattle Sounders
1997 Doug Miller Rochester Raging Rhinos
1996 Wolde Harris Colorado Foxes
1995 Peter Hattrup Seattle Sounders
1994 Paulinho Los Angeles Salsa
1993 Paulinho Los Angeles Salsa
1992 Taifour Diane Colorado Foxes
1991 Jean Harbor Maryland Bays
1990-ASL Phillip Gyau Maryland Bays
1990-WSL Mark Dodd Colorado Foxes
Copyright 1995 - 1999 Soccer America
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