NEW YORK (AFP) - Preki, a Yugoslavian-born US citizen who was twice named Most Valuable Player, was named Major League Soccer's Coach of the Year on Wednesday after guiding Chivas USA to a Western Conference crown.

The 44-year-old replaced US national team coach Bob Bradley - who left Chivas USA after taking 2006 Coach of the Year honours - and guided the team to its best showing in three MLS seasons.

Chivas was two points behind DC United for the best overall record in the 13-team league, but both clubs were ousted in the first round of the championship playoffs.

Preki, born in Belgrade but naturalized as a US citizen in time to represent The United States in the 1998 World Cup, played 10 MLS seasons, finishing his career in the US league with 79 goals.

MLS also named US midfielder Maurice Edu of Toronto FC as the league's Rookie of the Year. He scored four goals in 25 matches, all as a starter.

Votes from players, coaches and media were used to determine the winners.