The Philadelphia Union 2014 Year End Awards

Player of the Year - Vincent Nogueira (11 votes)

Formerly an award given to Sebastien Le Toux without competition, the new Frenchmen in town takes home an overwhelming majority of the votes this year. His silky smooth touch was a calming presence and even chipped in two goals in his almost 2500 minutes. Even with winning the Player of the Year award this year, there still appears to be room to grow as he settles in to Philadelphia and that is one of the most promising signs for 2015.

Runners up:

Ray Gaddis - 2
Sebastien Le Toux - 2

Offensive Player of the Year - Tie: Sebastien Le Toux (6) and Vincent Nogueira (6)

The two players that were level on votes for Offensive Player of the Year had very different impacts on the offense. LeToux was a much more traditional OPOTY putting up the most goals on the team with twelve and the second most assists with seven. He has continued to be a major force in the Union's offense year in and year out (except for the year he wasn't here of course).

Nogueira on the other hand sat much deeper. His two goals and three assists aren't as impressing on paper, but his impact came much earlier in the attack. Picking up the ball deep from the defenders he specializes in jump starting attacks. Either by a long cutting through ball or a driving run before dumping out wide, Nogueira puts opposing defenses under pressure.

Runners up:

Cristian Maidana - 2
Conor Casey - 1

Defensive Player of the Year - Ray Gaddis (13)

2014 was a breakout season for the outside back. Putting in the most games and minutes of his three year career to date, Gaddis was a constant presence on an ever changing back line and split time between both the left and right. His speed adds to the attack as he chipped in two assists. A well respected player by both his teammates and fans, much is expected in 2015 as he builds on his 2014 performances.

Runner up:

Maurice Edu - (2)

New Addition of the Year - Vincent Nogueira (12)

It is only fitting that if he was the overall player of the year, that he should also be the best signing right? Another vote that he runs away with as he truly was far and away the most impressive player on the team and is a top class player in MLS. It's not often that I offer praise of the front office, but this is one signing that they knocked out of the park. Signing on from his hometown team as they were being relegated was a great piece of business. Now the job is to keep him here.

Runners up:

Cristian Maidana - (2)
Maurice Edu - (1)

Game of the Year - US Open Cup Final vs Seattle Sounders (15)

The unanimous vote leaves no debate as to the game of the year. Even though it did not end in the first trophy for the club, it stands as the current high point of the franchise. Before Seattle's substitutions made the ultimate difference on the game, the Union were on top of the play, scoring the first goal and controlling most of the first half. PPL Park felt like it might burst at the seems as the excitement continued to build throughout the match. It was a sneak peek into the highest of heights that are possible in the league and left us all wanting more in 2015!

Goal of the Year - No goal received multiple votes

The votes were spread around with a few writers abstaining. Some of the goals receiving votes were Edu's Open Cup final goal, which marks the highest point the franchise has seen and Okugo's 98th minute goal that seemed to rescue the Union's playoff dreams. Andrew Wenger had a few goals nominated, both goals against San Jose as well as his debut goal against Real Salt Lake.

Former Player That Would Have Made The Biggest Impact - Justin Mapp (3)

The lack of a left footed winger along with the resurgence of Justin Mapp's career in Montreal was enough to earn him the award. His ability was on display for his former fans to see as he assisted the Impact's equalizer in an early season game at PPL Park. Conor Casey would have loved having that left foot providing for him late in the season.

Runners up:

Faryd Mondragon - 2
Jack McInerney - 2
Jeff Parke - 2
Carlos Ruiz - 2
Shea Salinas - 1
Michael Farfan - 1
Jordan Harvey - 1

So who would you have given the awards to? Let us know in the comments section below!