Sounders, Montero lighting it up in MLS

TUKWILA, Wash. – For a rare game, Sounders FC’s captain wasn’t Kasey Keller.

No, Keller got the night off for Tuesday’s CONCACAF Champions League game against CF Monterrey. In his place, the captain’s armband went to Fredy Montero.

“We just felt that Fredy was a guy who deserved it,” said coach Sigi Schmid. “He has been playing well; he’s been leading the team with his effort and his performance.”

And, not least of which, scoring.

Montero’s 18 goals this season in all competitions – MLS, CCL and U.S. Open Cup – are personal and team records. His 12 in MLS equals his total in 2009.

The Sounders lead MLS with 53 goals, and Montero has had a foot in most of them recently. His seven-game stretch with either a goal or assist is the longest in the league this season.