When Blaise Nkufo arrived in Seattle last season, Fredy Montero figured to be the biggest beneficiary. But even though the Swiss striker is no longer with the club, Montero has not missed a beat.
While two losses in the first week put the Sounders at the foot of the table, none of the blame rests with the forward.
Despite the increased attention from opposing defenses, Montero leads the league in shots (7) and shots on goal (6) through Saturday’s matches. Were it not for some excellent play from opposing goalkeepers, Montero might have a handful of goals and the story lines in Seattle would be much different.
Nevertheless, Montero acknowledges that more must be done before Seattle’s next match against the Houston Dynamo.
“We have to come up with a new game plan and we have to win,” Montero said after Saturday’s 1-0 loss to New York. “We have got to keep our head up and realize that this is not the end. We have to keep on moving forward. We have done some good things on the pitch, but it is obviously not enough. We have got to give more.”
WATCH: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
[inline_node:330691]One wonders what else Montero can give. Seattle’s leading scorer the last two seasons has fired shots from every area on the pitch. New York and LA Galaxy goalkeepers Greg Sutton and Josh Saunders could share notes on having to deal with the movement on Montero’s shots—both players had to be alert to turn away long-range efforts from the Colombian.
WATCH: Sutton stops Montero's free kick
Without Nkufo, the Sounders and Montero find themselves in the same position they were in at the beginning of 2010, with Montero being smothered by opposing defenses when he touches the ball. Seattle striker O'Brian White has shown flashes in the first two matches, but questions remain about whether he can perform as the counterweight to Montero going forward.
The good news for Sounders fans is that Nate Jaqua is expected back. Coach Sigi Schmid said Saturday that he expects the big striker to play a role during Friday night’s nationally televised clash at Qwest Field.
Jaqua certainly has the frame to handle MLS defenders, and he and Montero played alongside each other for much of the 2009 season.
Montero is aiming to return to his country’s national team ahead of this July's Copa América. Montero retains the hope that he’ll receive a call-up from Colombia coach Hernán Darío Gómez despite not making the list of players set to face Ecuador and Chile during the FIFA international match days from March 25-29.
“I have to get back to my highest level,” Montero said. “Two games have passed and I want to score. If that’s enough to go back to the national team, then I will welcome it. Every Colombian player wishes he can wear the jersey for the national team.”
