[MLS AWARDS] The Columbus Crew's Federico Higuain, older brother of Real Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain, was named the 2012 MLS Newcomer of the Year, beating out San Jose’s Victor Bernardez and Seattle’s Michael Gspurning.

Higuain arrived in Columbus in mid-August as a DP signing from Colon in Argentina and proceeded to make an immediate impact on the team with three goals and six assists in his first five MLS matches.

He ended the season with five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances.

Higuain started his career at River Plate in 2003 before eventually landing at Colon, where he spent two seasons prior to signing with the Crew.

MLS Newcomer of the Year Winners:
2012: Federico Higuain - Columbus Crew
2011: Mauro Rosales - Seattle Sounders
2010: Alvaro Saborio - Real Salt Lake
2009: Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders
2008: Darren Huckerby - San Jose Earthquakes
2007: Luciano Emilio - D.C. United