Montero back in a groove

TUKWILA, Wash. – Maligned. Jeered. Benched.

Such was the scene for Fredy Montero two months ago.

The Sounders FC forward had entered his second season in Seattle with high expectations after scoring 12 goals in 2009 and being named Major League Soccer Newcomer of the Year. Through faults of effort, not talent, Montero didn’t live up to that standard early in the season, and after eight games he was left out of the starting lineup for a May 15 road game at New York.

The week before, coach Sigi Schmid had said in reference to the forward: “I’ve given some guys a longer leash than others. That leash just tore today.”

Recently, Montero has been unleashed on opposing defenses.

The 22-year-old Colombian has scored or set up a Sounders goal in six consecutive games, playing a part in 10 of the last 12 Seattle goals.

“It’s a tribute to the work, but it’s also a tribute to his ability as a player,” Schmid said.

If Seattle, which hosts the Colorado Rapids at 7:30 tonight at Qwest Field, is going to make a push for the playoffs, it’ll need Montero to continue to shine.

And while the Sounders’ bumpy road has evened out in recent weeks, Montero has stayed motivated amid the turnaround – one both personal and collective.

“I’m very happy with how we’ve been doing, but I’m not done improving,” he said through a translator. “I’m just going to keep on getting better with my team.”

The Sounders haven’t lost a competitive game (U.S. Open Cup or league play) in three weeks. Even during the early-season struggles, midfielder Steve Zakuani said Montero, who leads the team with six goals and seven assists, was never to blame.

“Maybe sometimes people don’t see what he tries to do on the field,” Zakuani said. “Personally, I’ve seen and heard and read some stuff when it hasn’t gone well for him and he’s getting hammered. I just shake my head, thinking, ‘These guys don’t understand football.’ Because if you play with some players, you know what they’re capable of.

“I think he’s one of those guys you have to give him space and let him do what’s he’s capable of doing. He’s going to shoot sometimes from 30 yards out and the ball is going to go out of the stadium. But you say it’s OK, other times he’ll shoot from 40 yards and score.

“He’s one of those guys, so I’m not surprised he’s doing well now. And whether or not it’s showing statistically, he’s a very good player.”

But gaudy production helps, and Montero would likely have been selected for his second straight MLS All-Star Game were it not for a scheduling conflict (Seattle hosts El Salvador’s Metapan in the CONCACAF Champions League on the same night – Wednesday).

Montero could be named an inactive All-Star by the league on Monday, but said he’s more focused on the Sounders’ upcoming games.

It’s a team-first attitude reflective of the leader he’s become.

Notes

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller is ready to start today, according to Schmid, after spraining his right foot in a 1-0 road win against D.C. United on July 15. Forward Nate Jaqua (groin) and defender Tyrone Marshall (hamstring) remain game-time decisions. … Sounders forward/midfielder Pat Noonan was released by Colorado in March. … Today will likely mark the MLS debut of designated player/forward Blaise Nkufo.