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Jimmy Nielsen and Graham Zusi were named Sporting KC's Most Valuable Players for 2012 when the team handed out its annual awards prior to their regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Union at LIVESTRONG SportingPark on Wednesday.
Nielsen was in goal for every minute of Sporting KC's 2012 campaign. The 35-year-old keeper started in the 2012 MLS All-Star Game and set club records for minutes played (2,970) and games started (33). He also posted an MLS-best 15 shutouts and 17 wins, which are both one shy of an MLS single-season record.
Zusi, a midfielder, led MLS players in assists this season with a career-high 15 and set a Sporting KC record with five game-winning assists on the year. He also added five goals and led MLS players with 147 corner kicks – the third-most all-time among MLS players. The 26 year old was an All-Star in 2012 and also made six appearance for the U.S. National Team.