Seattle Sounders FC striker tallies three goals, March honors.
NEW YORK -- Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero was voted player of the Month for March. Montero tallied three goals and an assist in two games as the expansion Seattle Sounders FC became only the second expansion team to begin an inaugural campaign 2-0-0.
In front of a capacity crowd at Qwest Field, Montero began the 2009 season with a thrilling two-goal, one-assist performance in a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Montero became the 11th MLS player to begin his career with two goals and the eighth player to do so on First Kick weekend.
Montero continued to impress in his second MLS game. With Seattle holding on to a one-goal lead over visiting Real Salt Lake, Montero put the game out of reach in the 77th minute, finding space in front of the Real Salt Lake back line and firing a dipping, knuckle ball from 30 yards out. Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando was frozen by the right-footed blast. Montero's goal gave Seattle a 2-0 victory and puts him in contention to win his second consecutive Sierra Mist Goal of the Week award and can be seen here. With three goals, Montero is serving notice as a contender for the year-end Budweiser Golden Boot award.
Montero, who is from Campo de la Cruz, Colombia, was acquired by Seattle Sounders FC in January on loan from Deportivo Cali, where in 2008 he led the Copa Mustang league in scoring with 16 goals. In 2007, he led the league with 13 goals for Atlético Huila. This is the first Player of the Month award for the MLS Newcomer. Montero has appeared three times for the Columbian national team.
The Major League Soccer Player of the Month is selected following the last regular season game of each month by a panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership guidelines can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com/.
2009 MLS Player of the Month Awards
March: Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders FC
