VANCOUVER, BC – Major League Soccer announced today that Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain Pedro Morales has been named the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year.
The Chilean Designated Player becomes the first member of Whitecaps FC to win a major year-end league award as voted on by his peers.
- READ: Top 5 Morales Moments
"I am honoured to win the Newcomer of the Year award," said Morales, 29. "My first season in MLS has been very memorable. The quality of players throughout the league is incredible and I am humbled to be recognized by my peers, club executives and coaches, as well as the media. My family loves it in Vancouver and I am very thankful to my club, coaches, teammates, and fans. All of them helped make this past year one of my most enjoyable seasons and I can't wait for 2015.”
The Newcomer of the Year award, which honours an outstanding first-year player who has prior professional experience, was voted on by media, MLS players and MLS club management based on regular season performance. The other two finalists were New England Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones and LA Galaxy midfielder Stefan Ishizaki.
Below is a breakdown of the voting for the top four candidates:
<strong>PLAYER</strong> |
<strong>% of Club Votes</strong> |
<strong>% of Media Votes</strong> |
<strong>% of Player Votes</strong> |
<strong>Weighted Total</strong> |
<strong>Pedro Morales (VAN)</strong> |
<strong>30.00 %</strong> |
<strong>34.10 %</strong> |
<strong>23.58 %</strong> |
<strong>87.68 %</strong> |
<p>Jermaine Jones (NE)</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">7.50 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">17.04 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">9.98 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">34.52 %</p> |
<p>Stefan Ishizaki (LA)</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">5.00 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">6.82 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">7.48 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">19.3 %</p> |
<p>Andres Escobar (DAL)</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">3.75 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">2.27 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">8.16 %</p> |
<p class="rtecenter">14.18 %</p> |
After joining Whitecaps FC from Spain's La Liga side Málaga CF in March, Morales quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in MLS. He scored a goal and an assist in a memorable 25-minute debut and went on to lead the ‘Caps with 10 goals and 12 assists, becoming the first Whitecaps FC player to reach double digits in both categories.
Morales, whose combined 22 goals and assists were the most among first-year players in MLS, played a massive part in leading the Blue and White back to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- GALLERY: The best Morales photos of 2014
Vancouver’s record when Morales recorded a goal or assist was 10W-1L-4D. It’s no surprise, therefore, that he was the fans' overwhelming choice for the 2014 Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year. He also was also a finalist for the 2014 Latino Del Ano.
"He's a top player and a top person," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "Everyone saw the impact he made this past season. He's got pictures in his mind and he makes the players around him better. Equally as important is his demeanor off the field. Pedro is an incredible leader for our young players and a joy to work with. This is a thoroughly deserving honour."
MLS Newcomer of the Year Winners:
2014: Pedro Morales – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2013: Diego Valeri – Portland Timbers
2012: Federico Higuain – Columbus Crew
2011: Mauro Rosales – Seattle Sounders FC
2010: Alvaro Saborio – Real Salt Lake
2009: Fredy Montero – Seattle Sounders FC
2008: Darren Huckerby – San Jose Earthquakes
2007: Luciano Emilio – D.C. United
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! 2015 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale now. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
