Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Marco Pappa won the MLS Player of the Year Award Thursday night at the inaugural Premios Univision Deportes (Univision Sports Awards). Univision Deportes is the sport division of Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America.
Pappa, 27, edged Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri and Chivas USA forward Erick Torres for the award. The Guatemalan had six goals and five assists in 28 appearances in 2014, including a brace in the Supporters’ Shield-clinching 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy in Seattle’s 2014 regular season finale on October 25.
Click here to view Pappa receiving the award.
A total of 65 sports figures were nominated for their accomplishments on and off the field across multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, boxing, auto racing and more. Premios Univision Deportes winners were decided by fans and a diverse committee of sports personalities, including journalists, broadcasters and retired world-class athletes. Fan-selected awards included Best Goal, Best Extreme Sports Athlete, Best Social Post of the Year and Best Artistic Performance by an Athlete.
