NEW YORK, N.Y. - Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales has been named the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year.

The Chilean designated player is the first Whitecaps player to win a major year-end league award as voted on by his peers.

With 87 per cent of the votes, the Whitecaps captain beat out New England Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones and LA Galaxy midfielder Stefan Ishizaki.

The award is decided by Major League Soccer players, club leadership, and media members.