Maidana in running for MLS Latino of the Year

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cristian Maidana is a contender for MLS Latino of the Year. The Argentinian enjoyed a fantastic season as he nabbed 15 assists, finishing just one shy of league leader Sebastian Giovinco. The competition has been divided into eight groups and will be decided by fan votes. Maidana faces stiff competition in Group A from the likes of Fabian Castillo and fellow countryman Javier Morales.

Despite being on a putrid Union squad, Maidana still managed to state his case as one of the best playmakers in the league. His dribbling skill mixed in with the ability to accurately place the ball through set-pieces and in the run of play made him a consistent threat every week.

Regardless of his fine season, Maidana's biggest road block in this competition will be big name players like Kaka and David Villa. Competitions such as this are rarely based on merit and often based on popularity and few Latino players are more popular than the duo of Villa and Kaka.

If you think Maidana is worthy of the award then you can vote for him here.