VANCOUVER, BC - Major League Soccer announced today that Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain Pedro Morales is one of three finalists for the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
After joining Whitecaps FC from La Liga side Málaga CF in March, Morales made an immediate impact - recording a goal and an assist in a memorable 25-minute debut.
The Chilean playmaker went on to lead Whitecaps FC with 10 goals and 12 assists, becoming the first MLS 'Caps player to hit double digits in both categories in a single season. His combined 22 goals and assists were the most among first-year players in MLS. The next closest player had 13.
Voted on by the fans, Morales was named the overwhelming choice for the 2014 Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year a few days before he set-up the game-winning goal that clinched Vancouver's playoff berth. The Blue and White's record when he recorded a goal or assist was 10W-1L-4D.
In addition to Morales, LA Galaxy midfielder Stefan Ishizaki and New England Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones were also named finalists for the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year award, which is handed out to a player who has professional experience in another league and had an outstanding first season in MLS.
The finalists were determined by votes from current MLS players, MLS club technical staffs and front offices, as well as media members who covered the league regularly in 2014. The winner will be revealed on December 3.
