NEW YORK -- The chase for the MLS Cup is down to the final four clubs. And now the chase for each of MLS's year-end awards is down to the final three nominees.
On Thursday, MLS announced the three finalists for each of the year-end awards, as determined by polling of three voting groups: current MLS players, MLS coaches/club officials, and MLS media.
“It is an honor to be one of the finalists for the Newcomer of the Year Award, and I would like to thank the clubs, players and media who voted for me,” Higuaín said. “When I came to Columbus I was able to acclimate quickly and had the opportunity to enjoy some success. I hope to be even better and do my best for the Crew in 2013.”
Signed as the third Designated Player in club history on July 27, Higuaín arrived in Columbus in the middle of August and proceeded to immediately make an impact on the team. He recorded three goals and six assists in his first five matches, ending the season with a total of 13 appearances, five goals and seven assists.
Here are the finalists (listed in alphabetical order by last name within each award category):
Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Austin Berry (Chicago Fire)
- Nick DeLeon (D.C. United)
- Darren Mattocks (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) Winner to be announced Monday, November 19.
Xbox Individual Fair Play Finalists
- Ante Jazic (Chivas USA)
- Logan Pause (Chicago Fire)
-
Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)
Selected by MLS based on objective criteria such as fouls committed, cards received, games & minutes played, as well as subjective evaluation of sportsmanlike behavior.
Winner to be announced Monday, November 19.
Xbox Team Fair Play Finalists
- Chicago Fire
- Houston Dynamo
-
New England Revolution
Selected by MLS based on objective criteria such as fewest fouls committed, cards received, and on subjective evaluation of sportsmanlike behavior.
Winner to be announced Monday, November 19.
Defender of the Year Finalists
- Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)
-
Aurelien Collin (Sporting Kansas City)
Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 20.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year Finalists
- Kei Kamara (Sporting Kansas City)
- Michael Lahoud (Philadelphia Union)
-
Chris Seitz (FC Dallas)
Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 20.
Referee of the Year Finalists
- Silviu Petrescu
- Baldomero Toledo
-
Armando Villarreal
Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 20.
Assistant Referee of the Year Finalists
- Ian Anderson
- Gregory Barkey
- Corey Parker Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 20.
Coach of the Year Finalists
- Ben Olsen (D.C. United)
- Peter Vermes (Sporting Kansas City)
- Frank Yallop (San Jose Earthquakes) Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 27.
Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
- Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC)
- Chris Pontius (D.C. United) Winner to be announced Tuesday, November 27.
Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
- Michael Gspurning (Seattle Sounders FC)
- Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA)
- Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City) Winner to be announced Wednesday, November 28.
Newcomer of the Year Finalists
- Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Michael Gspurning (Seattle Sounders FC)
- Federico Higuain (Columbus Crew)Winner to be announced Wednesday, November 28.
Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Finalists
- Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
- Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) Winner to be announced Thursday, November 29.
NOTE: The 2012 MLS Best XI will be announced Monday, November 26.
