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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 8:43 a.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Soccer: Donovan, Dempsey, Howard vie for player of year

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard have been named finalists for the Honda Player of the Year award, given to a U.S. national team member.

Dempsey, who won in 2006, has scored four goals during this year's World Cup qualifying matches. The 25-year-old midfielder has played for Fulham of the English Premier League since 2006, making 36 appearances and scoring six goals in the last season.

Donovan, the only four-time player of the year winner, has tied Kasey Keller as a six-time finalist. Donovan became the all-time goal scorer for the national team earlier this year with his 35th goal against Sweden. The 26-year-old forward plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Howard, a finalist for the second year in a row, has appeared in goal in eight of 11 national team matches this year. He has 15 career shutouts, including five in this year's World Cup qualifying. The 29-year-old plays for Everton of the Premier League.

The winner will be announced Nov. 11 in Los Angeles.