Henry, Wondolowski, Zusi finalists for MLS MVP

(AP Photo/Mel Evans)

NEW YORK (AP) New York forward Thierry Henry, San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski and Kansas City' midfielder Graham Zusi are the finalists for Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player award.

San Jose defender Victor Bernardez, Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning and Columbus forward Federico Higuain - the brother of Real Madrid's Gonzolo Higuain - are the finalists for Newcomer of the Year, the league said Thursday.

Gspurning also is a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year along with Chivas USA's Dan Kennedy and Kansas City's Jimmy Nielsen.

Chicago defender Austin Berry, D.C. midfielder Nick DeLeon and Vancouver forward Darren Mattocks are finalists for Rookie of the Year, and Bernardez is a finalist for Defender of the Year along with Kansas City's Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin.

San Jose forward Alan Gordon, Seattle forward Eddie Johnson and D.C. midfielder Chris Pontius are the contenders for Comeback Player of the Year, and D.C.'s Ben Olsen, Kansas City's Peter Vermes and San Jose's Frank Yallop are finalists for Coach of the Year.

Rookie of the Year will be announced Monday, followed by Defender of the Year the following day. The league's Best XI is released Nov. 26, with Coach and Comeback Player the following day, Goalkeeper and Newcomer on Nov. 28 and MVP on Nov. 29.

Updated November 15, 2012