Crap, I accidentally voted for Andrulis. If Gansler doesn't win it, they should never give out the award again. The best coaching job by any coach in any sport in any league I've ever seen.
I can't see how there are actually two votes for Druler! No coaching was done on the sideline. It was all done on the field. He was simply the benefit of a good mix of youth and veterans overcoming the idiocy of his tutelage.
Gansler- Major injuries to Preki, Klein, Meola and Simutenkov. Uses a decent team (those that were left), adds in some young role players at the perfect times and positions, ties for the most points in the league, orchestrates a great comeback in the playoffs. All without adding anyone to the team during the season (Unlike Sanneh and Gomez). I honestly don't see how it could be either of the other two. And to think, many KC fans were calling for Bob's head just 12 months ago.
1. Gansler - Won the US Open Cup and came within a whisker of the Supporters Shield despite not having Simutenkov and Preki the entire first half of the season (and Preki for pretty much all of the season). Reaches the MLS final despite having to go with a backup keeper for the late season and playoffs. 2. Nowak - Takes United to their first final since 1999 in his first year as a head coach at any level. Does this while dealing with the circus surrounding the Golden Child all season. 3. Andrulis - WTF? You're having a laugh. Tim Hankinson and Colin Clarke are more deserving of this award.
First of all, don't dismiss Andrulis. They did win the supporters' shield, after all. Even if he was doing nothing (which I don't buy), it doesn't change the results. Having said that, it's gotta be Gansler. Losing Preki, losing Chris Klein, losing Meola, and never missing a beat, and finishing level on points with the league leaders? He gets the nod.
Nowak changing the fulture of losing at United is enough reason for me to vote for him. While I won't deny the fact that Gansler is probably deserving, my heart won't let me vote against Nowak.
I think that Columbus got hot at the same time that they added that asst. coach from New England. That fact plus, plus the aforementioned KC injuries give Bob G. my virtual and worthless vote.
How can Nowak get it? DC played poorly most of the year. First off, the runner up of MLS Cup (Nowak) will not get it. Andrulis won't due to his early exit. That leaves Gansler...led KC to an excellent regular season and postseason run.