Seattle's Montero named MLS Newcomer of the Year
Renton, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero was named the 2009 MLS Newcomer of the Year on Tuesday.
Montero finished tied for third in goals (12) and match-winning goals (4) in MLS this season. He also scored the first goal in Seattle's 2-1 victory over D.C. United for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He also finished tied for second on the team and ninth in the league with seven assists.
"This is a great honor for Fredy because he faced some formidable competition for the award within our own team," Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said. "He had a great first season in MLS, and we're very proud of his accomplishment." Montero came to Sounders FC from Deportivo Cali, where he led the Colombian First Division in scoring twice, including 2006-07 while on loan to Atletico Huila.
Montero scored two goals and added an assist in his debut match, and his three goals in the first two games was the most productive since Luciano Emilio in 2007. He was named March Player of the Month, and was among Seattle's four MLS All-Stars.
Sounders goalie Kasey Keller and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg were the other two finalists for Newcomer of the Year.
The Newcomer of the Year honors the player who is in his first season in Major League Soccer, but has prior professional experience, making him ineligible for Rookie of the Year honors. The award's prior recipients were D.C. United's Luciano Emilio (2007) and San Jose's Darren Huckerby (2008).
11/10 14:12:47 ET
