Originally published November 10, 2009 at 11:10 AM | Page modified November 10, 2009 at 1:16 PM

Sounders FC's Fredy Montero named MLS Newcomer of the Year

Sounders' top scorer beats teammates Kasey Keller, Freddie Ljungberg for award.

Seattle Times staff reporter

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Fredy Montero, Sounders FC's leading scorer in its inaugural season, was named Major League Soccer's Newcomer of the Year, the league announced this morning.

Montero was one of three finalists for the award — all Sounders FC players — and won the voting over teammates Freddie Ljungberg and Kasey Keller.

The 22-year-old native of Colombia finished tied for third in MLS in goals (12) and game-winning goals (4), and led MLS in shots (86). He also scored the first goal in Sounders FC's 2-1 victory over D.C. United for the U.S. Open Cup.

"This is a great honor for Fredy because he faced some formidable competition for the award within our own team," Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said. "He had a great first season in MLS, and we're very proud of his accomplishment."

Montero was one of four Sounders FC players to make the MLS All-Star team. He scored two goals and added an assist in the Sounders' inaugural game in March, a 3-0 win over New York, and was named MLS Player of the Month for March.

Montero, often a target of aggressive play from other teams, scored in four consecutive games as Seattle went 2-0-2 from June 13 to June 28. Two of his goals were voted MLS Goal of the Week.

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 the Rookie of the Year honor.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

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