Seattle Sounders FC striker Miguel Montaño has been called in by the Colombian Under-20 team. Although there was some confusion at first.
Originally, the 18-year-old who is not officially signed but has been training with the side since March, was not on the call-up list sent out by the Colombian federation. However, it appears he was a late addition. A spokesperson for the Colombian federation told MLSsoccer.com that Montaño is being brought in for observation but will not play in either of the friendlies.
The Colombian U-20s are to travel across the border to play a pair of matches against the Ecuadorean U-20 team next week—in Ibarra on April 22 and in La Libertad on April 25.
The lanky striker, who bears a physical resemblance to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, wasn’t expected to play in any of Seattle’s games during the time period he was gone. He is, for lack of a better term, youthful. He has youthful facial features and attempts youthful maneuvers, sometimes opting for an acrobatic side volley in training drills when a tap-in will do.
He’s still learning the ropes in Seattle. During a training session earlier this month, Montaño drew a long stare from Kasey Keller when a ball Montaño kicked after the whistle smashed into the veteran goalkeeper. However, the youngster looks to be catching on and the club arranged for him to stay with a family during his time in Seattle to help his acclimation process.
Montaño will return to Seattle on April 26.
