L.A's Donovan named MLS player of the year

Landon Donovan of the U.S. jumps after scoring against Brazil during their Confederations Cup final soccer match in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

SEATTLE (Reuters) - United States and L.A Galaxy striker Landon Donovan has been named Most Valuable Player in Major League Soccer, the league said on Thursday.

Donovan received the most votes in polling of players, general managers, coaches and the media. FC Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham and New England Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph were the two other finalists for the award.

The Galaxy captain has led his team to the MLS Cup final, where they will face Real Salt Lake on Sunday, scoring 15 goals in 28 regular season and playoff games.

"As an athlete to be honored individually is great," Donovan told reporters after training in Los Angeles on Thursday.

"What is special about this is that its not just fans or media voting it is also your peers - and when your peers name you the best player, I think that's special," he said.

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)