If it were up to the fans, Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Darren Mattocks would be today's MLS Rookie of the Year.
The Jamaican international is the leading rookie vote-getter in the week-long fan voting for the third annual 24 Under 24, which ranks the best young players in MLS. With just hours remaining -- polls close at 2 p.m. PT on Friday -- the No. 2 overall SuperDraft selection by the Whitecaps currently ranks sixth overall (VOTE NOW BY CLICKING HERE).
This year fan ballots will represent 10 percent of the final rankings. They will be combined with the votes of a select media panel to determine the ultimate list of the top 24 players under the age of 24 through the end of the regular season.
The countdown to the No. 1 player will begin on Monday, Sept. 10, when the first installment of names are revealed on MLSsoccer.com.
The five players closest to breaking into the fans' Top 24 are: 25. Andy Rose (Seattle Sounders), 26. Luis Silva (Toronto FC), 27. Danny Mwanga (Portland Timbers), 28. Zac MacMath (Philadelphia Union) and 29. Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union).
MATTOCKS' STUNNING LEAP (vs. Toronto FC, July 11, 2012)
