MARK CHUNG NAMED FINALIST FOR PAIR OF MLS AWARDS

2002 Team MVP One of Three Finalists for League Most Valuable Player, Fair Play Player

DENVER (Tuesday, October 8, 2002) - Midfielder Mark Chung of the Colorado Rapids has been named a finalist for a pair of prestigious Major League Soccer post-season awards - the Honda MLS Most Valuable Player and the MLS Individual Fair Play Award - it was announced today in New York by league officials.

Chung, 32, joined the Rapids this season after an Allocation Draft Day trade with the MetroStars, and put together one of the most dominant single-season performances in team history. The only player in the league this year to record double-digit totals in both goals (11) and assists (10), Chung was named MLS Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks after posting four goals in two games on May 22 and June1.

The Honda Most Valuable Player will be presented at a press conference in Providence, Rhode Island on October 18, just two days before MLS Cup 2002 is played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 20. Along with Chung, the other two finalists are Carlos Ruiz of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Taylor Twellman of the New England Revolution. The award is given annually to the player whose presence made the biggest impact on his team's overall play during the regular season.

The MLS Individual Fair Play Award is presented to the player regarded as the league's best sportsman, and is presented following a vote of MLS general managers, players, coaches, referees, and media. Chung, who won the award in 1997 while playing for the Kansas City Wizards, is up against Chris Klein (Kansas City Wizards) and Steve Ralston (New England Revolution) for the honor. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 14.

Chung and the Rapids will return to the field on Wednesday, October 9, in the final MLS game of the season at INVESCO Field. The Rapids will meet the Los Angeles Galaxy in an all-important semifinal match at 7:30 p.m.

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