Net by Northwest - A Seattle Sounders blog

Anyone who has been following the Sounders knows how important Fredy Montero has become to this team. This kid has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, whether he’s assisting or scoring goals. In 2009, Fredy led the club with 12 goals and 7 assists, and this season, he is leading the club again with 8 goals and 9 assists. The kid is electrifying! Here is what Sounders goal keeper Kasey Keller had to say about Fredy’s performance, “Fredy is on fire. He’s working extremely hard. He is doing some great stuff. … What I like so much about his game right now is that he has got a ton of assists as well. He is really turning into a complete player, and I’m proud of him.” Mr. Montero received the MLS Player of the Month award in July, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he was up for the same award in August.



Seeing the success this kid is having in the MLS may help me with a personal dilemma. I have been seriously thinking about purchasing a Sounders “Electricity” jersey. What has been keeping me from doing so is the decision making process. You know…who’s name should be on the jersey? It’s been a difficult one with so many great players to choose from like Steve Zakuani, Kasey Keller, and Osvaldo Alonzo, but then there’s Mr. Montero. To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of wearing my own name on my back–it’s not like I need my clothing proclaiming loudly that I am “MORRIS”–let alone someone else’s, but I may have to make an exception for Fredy.  Fredy Montero has a bright future with the  Sounders, and Seattle will do whatever it takes to secure that future. Perhaps it’s time for me  to make my own little investment.  One thing I know for sure, I’m glad I didn’t purchase that Freddie Ljungberg jersey… I’m sure they’re going pretty cheap on eBay!

Competitive, fast paced, and extremely physical is how I would describe the match between the Houston Dynamo and the Seattle Sounders.  Though the first half was scoreless, Seattle maintained pressure throughout, and there were many opportunities for Seattle to score. One such case was forward  Fredy Montero’s  ferocious shot that Houston’s goal keeper Tally Hall managed to deflect. The intensity of Montero’s shot in the 25th minute was a clear  indication that Fredy meant business. In the 27th minute, right wing man Sanna Nyassi was given a yellow card by referee Michael Kennedy for a gorgeous tackle. It was a ridiculous call, but the play was magnificent–not only did Nyassi receive his second yellow card of the season, but a bloody  nose as well!  Sanni Nyassi continues to improve each game, and he gets my vote for player of the half, if there was such an honor.  The Sounders put on a stellar defense in the first half, and defenders James Riley, Leo Gonzalez, Patrick Ianni, and Jeff Parke get props for the way they man handled the Houston Dynamo. Those boys did such a great job, Seattle goal keeper Kasey Keller could have taken the night off.  Maybe next match he can kick back in a lawn chair with a pint of Widmer Bros. Hefeweizen!



During the second half, the Houston Dynamo came out with determination. In the first ten minutes, I thought Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid was going to strangle himself with his scarf, but the tides turned quickly.  The Dynamos’ determination soon gave way to lethargy, and the Sounders seized the opportunity.  In the 63rd minute,  Montero nailed an outstanding shot to put the first point on the board, his eighth for the  season. It was almost like watching  a game of one-on-one basketball.  Fredy outfoxed  defender Eddie Robinson and walloped the ball right pass Tally Hall. In the 87th minute,  Sounders newcomer Alvaro Fernandez from Uruguay received a pass from Fredy Montero to score the second goal of the match and  seal the victory for Seattle. It was his first as a Seattle Sounder.  Also worthy of mention is Seattle forward Blaise Nkufo, who continues to be a valuable asset attracting defenders and allowing Steve Zakuani and Montero to get into scoring postion.  It’s exciting to see Nkufo working to perfect his craft.   The final score for the match was Seattle Sounders 2, Houston Dynamo 0, tying Seattle for 5th with the New York Red Bulls.