VANCOUVER, BC – It’s official.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain Pedro Morales is the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year. And based on what the Chilean accomplished in his first season, it’s easy to see why.
Morales, who was also named the Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year, enjoyed several memorable moments throughout the 2014 campaign.
There were plenty to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top five.
Enjoy.
5. THE MORALES SHOW
Morales only scored one goal in a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas July 27 at BC Place, but it may have been his most dominant performance of the season. The Chilean set game-highs in shots (12), chances created (6), touches (110), and completed passes (66).
His 12 shots were the most by any player in a single game since Opta started tracking MLS in 2011. If it wasn’t for three spectacular saves by FC Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez, Morales could have very easily walked away with two or three goals.
It was a jaw-dropping performance from the ‘Caps captain, who wowed the crowd on several occasions with cheeky juggling displays, pinpoint passes, and much more.
"You just saw him dictate the game from the centre of the field and doing the things he does best, putting people through and threading those passes," said Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted after the match. "I had a good view, but I'm just one of the guys who could stand there and marvel at the things he does.”
4. MAGICAL MINUTE
There was a festive atmosphere inside BC Place on May 3, as Whitecaps FC celebrated the 40th anniversary of their first-ever match against San Jose Earthquakes. And after Kekuta Manneh opened the scoring for Vancouver in the 10th minute, Morales took the party to a whole new level.
The Designated Player bagged a brace in less than a minute, putting Whitecaps FC ahead 3-0 at the 20-minute mark and sending the sold-out crowd into a frenzy. His two goals in the span of 57 seconds set a new record for the fastest two goals scored by a Whitecaps FC player in MLS. It was also Morales’ first of three braces on the season.
San Jose made a game of it with a pair of goals from Chris Wondolowski, but Vancouver held on for the 3-2 win. Not surprisingly, Morales was named the Budweiser Man of the Match.
3. SECOND-HALF SURGE
Let’s set the scene a bit for this one.
The ‘Caps were coming off a potentially soul-crushing 3-0 loss to Portland Timbers, the team they were fighting with for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. There were now just five games remaining. From the outside, things looked bleak.
And matters got worse when Morales had a penalty saved in first-half stoppage time on September 27 vs. Real Salt Lake, who then took a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute. But Morales showed his resiliency and bounced back with a two-goal second half to lead Vancouver to victory.
After the game, Carl Robinson said: “This might be our defining moment.” Turns out he was right. The win kicked off a five-game unbeaten run to close out the regular season, in which the ‘Caps picked up 13 of a possible 15 points to secure their berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
2. TAMING THE TIMBERS
Again, let’s set the scene.
Whitecaps FC made a trip down the I-5 to visit Portland Timbers on June 1. Going into that game, the ‘Caps had never beaten their bitter rival from the Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, the Timbers entered the match on a 15-month home unbeaten run (a span of 22 matches dating back to March 2013).
It looked like that streak would continue when Portland took a 1-0 lead in the third minute. But the Blue and White responded with four unanswered goals and held on for a historic 4-3 win.
Morales was involved in all four of Vancouver’s goals. He scored the first two from the penalty spot, silencing the Timbers Army, before assisting the second two.
This game will not soon be forgotten.
1. DAZZLING DEBUT
Does it get any better?
Morales announced his arrival in MLS on opening day with a memorable 25-minute debut. After entering the match in the 65th minute, the Chilean recorded a goal and an assist late to secure a 4-1 win over the defending Supporters’ Shield-winning New York Red Bulls at BC Place.
His assist was a perfectly-weighted through ball over the top to Kenny Miller and his goal was a superb first-time finish from inside the box.
That’s what you call a dream start.
“He’s got pictures in his mind,” Robinson told reporters after the match. “He’s a top player and that’s why I brought him to the club.”
What’s your favourite Morales moment? Let us know in the comment section below!
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