MLS head coaches and general managers from each team vote on this award. Pepsi Goalkeeper of the Year Major League Soccer's top netminder will be awarded for his outstanding play with the Pepsi Goalkeeper of the Year trophy. This award will be given to the player judged to be the best all-around goalkeeper during the regular season. MLS head coaches and general managers from each team submit their votes after evaluating goalkeepers on a number of areas, including technical skill, statistical ranking and overall leadership. Similar to the National Hockey League, points are awarded by combining goals and assists.
MLS awards two points for goal and one point for an assist.
Los Angeles' Cobi Jones, New England's Raul Diaz Arce and Columbus' Stern John look to be the favorites for this hotly contested race. United's Ben Olsen, Los Angeles' Clint Mathis and the Crew's Andy Williams and Jeff Cunningham are among the top candidates for the 1998 Bandai Rookie of the Year award. MLS head coaches and general managers from each team vote on this award. MasterCard Goal of the Year Major League Soccer fans will have the opportunity to select the MasterCard Goal of the Year, an annual award given to the player whose goal is judged to have scored the best overall goal during the regular season. The voting process for the MasterCard Goal of the Year consists of a unique combination of the media and MLS fans.