U.S. midfielder Cobi Jones has been named the winner of the 1998 Honda Player of the Year Award. Jones beat out runner-up Kasey Keller, while defender Eddie Pope finished third. 200 jounalists from around the country participated in the balloting. Jones, won the award in his first nomination, started in 14 of the 15 U.S. national team matches in 1998 and is third on the team with 111 total caps. He also had a banner season for the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS. “I’ve made it a point to improve my game year after year, and I think the past season represented the fruits of my hard work,” Jones said. “I think once you make it to the national team, everyone aspires to be a finalist of the Honda Player of the Year Award.” As the winner, Jones received a new 1999 Honda Accord EX, as well as the trophy, which will later be on permanent display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. In addition, a $5,000 donation to AYSO was made in his behalf. The other two finalists, Keller and Pope, received two round-trip tickets to any destination served by Aerolineas Argentinas, which co-sponsors the event.