SECAUCUS, NJ - New York Red Bulls forward Juan Pablo Angel was named MLS Player for the Month of May after scoring three goals and tallying two assists in his first three games this season. The Red Bulls went 2-1-1 during the month and are currently tied for first place in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand over co-leader New England Revolution.
"I am very honored to receive the award, however I am focused on continuing to win and play well as a team," Angel said. "A lot of credit goes to my teammates, who have made me feel at home since I arrived. They played a big part in my success and the club's success in the last few games and I hope that we can continue the same form throughout the entire season."
Angel made his regular season debut on May 13 against Colorado as the Red Bulls' second designated player. On May 19 against the Columbus Crew, he assisted on John Wolyniec's goal, contributed to a goal mouth play that Clint Mathis finished off, and scored his first goal in MLS League action during a 4-0 victory.
Next, the 31-year-old Columbian had a two-goal, one-assist effort in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Fire on May 24. Angel helped set up a Jozy Altidore strike in the first minute before adding his second goal of the season two minutes later. He capped off the scoring in the second half, using clever turn to fool a Chicago defender before slotting it past the Fire goalkeeper.
Angel is in his first season with the Red Bulls. He last played with English Premiership club Aston Villa, appearing in 205 games, while scoring 62 goals in all competitions. His best season with Villa came in 2003, when he scored 23 goals in 38 games. This is the first MLS Player of the Month award for Angel who also won his first Player of the Week award for Week 7.
The MLS Player of the Month is selected following the last game of each month throughout the regular season by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA). The PSRA votes among players nominated by their respective teams.
Angel and the Red Bulls (5-1-2) take on the Kansas City Wizards (5-2-1) this Saturday, June 2 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (TV: MSG). Kickoff is set for 8 PM ET.
2007 MLS Player of the Month Awards
April: Eddie Johnson - Kansas City Wizards
May: Juan Pablo Angel - New York Red Bulls
