Voting has begun for the 2011 Best of U.S. Soccer and Athlete of the Year awards, thanks to U.S. Soccer.

There are awards for the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year — Male, Female, Young Male, Young Female — as well as the 11 categories comprising this year’s Best of U.S. Soccer. Voting takes place on the U.S. Soccer’s Page on Facebook.

Online votes for the Athlete of the Year awards are equivalent to 50 percent of the total votes. As in years past, the other 50 percent will be represented by votes compiled from members of the national media and U.S. Soccer representatives (from national team coaches to the National Board of Directors).

U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year Finalists
Jozy Altidore, Forward
Carlos Bocanegra, Defender
Steve Cherundolo, Defender
Clint Dempsey, Midfielder
Tim Howard, Goalkeeper

U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Finalists
Lauren Cheney, Midfielder
Ali Krieger, Defender
Christie Rampone, Defender
Hope Solo, Goalkeeper
Abby Wambach, Forward

U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year Finalists
Kellyn Acosta, Defender
Juan Agudelo, Forward
Perry Kitchen, Defender
Marc Pelosi, Midfielder
Brek Shea, Midfielder

U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year Finalists
Morgan Andrews, Defender
Morgan Brian, Midfielder
Kelly Cobb, Forward
Melissa Henderson, Forward
Sydney Leroux, Forward

2011 Best of U.S. Soccer Categories
Best Assist
Best Goal
Best Goal Celebration
Best Fan Tribute
Best Off the Field Moment
Best Performance: Academy
Best Performance: Player
Best Performance: Team
Best Soccer Bar
Best Studio 90 Moment
Best Twitter

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