The Honda Player of the Year Award for U.S. Soccer isn’t particularly prestigious, a bit like topping the graduating class at Michigan State University. Â But, my friends, this blog could never be accused of being un-American.  Therefore, we will fervently fete the three finalists, as if they were set for something meaningful.

Tim Howard, Everton FC: In short, Tim Howard is one of the best players at his position in arguably the best league in the world. No other American player can say that, or even sniff it.  Last season was not his best in England, that was 2006-7, but Howard, still, was one shutout away from tying the league record, 15.  Now first-choice, he’s played solidly between the sticks for the red, white and blue.  Howard’s been abused thus far in England, but that’s because his back four leaves enough holes to fill the Albert Hall.

If Howard does not win, each of the 213 voting writers should be sentenced to an eternal Around the Horn episode, flanked by Jay Mariotti, Skip Bayless and Screamin’ A.

Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy: Donovan embodies the U.S. Soccer establishment ethos, with his painfully reticent mediocrity.  Lando’s now the U.S. all-time goals and assists leader, which he makes sure to point out on his website.  He has also, with David Beckham, presided over the festering disaster that is the Los Angeles Galaxy.  There’s not really a compelling reason to give him the award, but there wasn’t in three of the previous four years that he won it either.

Clint “Deuce” Dempsey, Fulham FC: An intriguing player, Dempsey has compelling arguments for and against.  In his favor, he has four goals in World Cup qualifying and had a brilliant beginning to last season in England, when he led Fulham with six goals.  However, despite his new Premier League salary giving him enough to feed the needy and no need to greedy, he’s been unable to bum rush the Fulham Starting XI, making just one Premier League start this season.