Mexico's main soccer organization selected Xolos player Joe Corona as Rookie of the Year.

The 21-year-old player, a Sweetwater High alum, received the honor from the Federación Mexicana de Futbol for his performance last season in Mexico's top tier division.

The sports director for Club Tijuana, Ignacio Palau, picked up the Balón de Oro in Mexico City on Monday because Corona is training with the U.S. U-23 team, which is preparing for pre-Olympic matches.

"I'm super happy. I thank God for all of the good things he has given me in so little time," Corona was quoted as saying in the Xolos' web site. The award "is motivation knowing that great things can be achieved as long as there is commitment, dedication and humility."

The other candidates for rookie honors were Armando Zamorano, from Jaguares; Héctor Herrera, from Pachuca; and Alfonso Luna from Atlante.

Corona is a National City resident and one-time player for San Diego State University. On July 21, 2011, he scored the Xolos' first goal in Mexico's First Division, a match-up Tijuana lost 2-1 to Morelia at Estadio Caliente.

Palau said the team was proud to receive the Rookie of the Year award in its first season in the First Division. He said that pride extended to the minor league teams, called Fuerzas Básicas de Xoloitzcuintles.

"We have talented young men who want to achieve their dream just like Joe did and it's great to receive this award in his name," Palau said in the awards ceremony.

Corona expressed his gratitude through his Twitter account.

"Thanks for all the congratulation messages. I dedícate this award to my family, to the Xolos and all of their fans," he wrote. "Thank God!"

Meanwhile, the Xolos will travel this week to Guadalajara, where the team will challenge one of the Mexico's most popular team, Chivas.

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