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The Vancouver Whitecaps are celebrating the individual acheivements of some of their star players today, as they've unveiled the team award winners for the 2014 season.
The BMO Player of the Year was a no-brainer; Pedro Morales takes that, as well as the Dominic Mobilio award as the team's leading goal scorer. Not a bad rookie MLS season for Morales, who also took over Captain duties from Jay Demerit once he retired. On some nights, Morales has been the only cog in the offensive machine that's actually working, and he deserves every bit of this award. I think you could've also made a case for Matias Laba, but I doubt anybody will have a problem with Pedro winning it this year.
In any case, it's not like Laba is walking away empty handed, as he won the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero Award for his quiet, yet brilliant season in the defensive midfield. Considering the kid is 22 years old, he had an absolutely phenomenal season, and should be a lynchpin in the 'Caps defensive game for the foreseeable future, or, until the 'Caps can't afford him. In a press release, the 'Caps mention Laba had 148 tackles this season to go along with 84 interceptions, and he started an impressive 30 out of 31 matches on the year.
Humantiarian of the Year went to David Ousted, who leads the club in charitable appearance this season. As if we didn't need another reason to love the great Dane, who's stepped up his game considerably in the 2014 campaign.
Some youth awards were handed out as well; Marco Carducci was named Most Promising Player, as was Simmrin Dhaliwal, a defender from the Girls Elite. Finally, 17 year old Jeevin Kang was the recipient of a registered education savings plan from BMO.
Remember, we want to hear who your team MVP is, and letting us know could land you tickets to the regular season finale this weekend! Check out the 86forever Facebook page for more info.