We've been tracking the progress of bringing 21-year old Colombian striker Freddy Montero to Seattle since last October. It was then that we were given two 'scoops.' The first was that Swede Freddie Ljungberg was coming to Seattle, the second was that Montero 'was a done deal.'
Now it is January 2009 and Sounders FC training camp is but a few days away. So where is Montero? Soccer website FutbolRed.com tracked down the rising star and reports that he is on his way to train with the Sounders. The Spanish-language website article quotes Montero as saying he still has hopes of ending up in Spain with Real Betis, but that he will be boarding a plane for Seattle on the 18th to begin training camp on the 21st in the Emerald City.
UPDATE: In other foreign player news it appears the deal with Rosenborg to bring over Costa Rican defender Roy Miller is dead. Norwegian-language link. No US medical insurance could be secured for Miller's pregnant girlfriend.
This is huge news for the Sounders. If Montero stays for the entire Major League Soccer season Seattle will be getting the top scorer in the latest season of the Colombian premier division. They'll be getting a natural talent with great goal-scoring instincts and excellent speed. They'll be getting a guy who lives and breathes soccer and is on a high trajectory toward becoming famous around the globe.
Video: Montero (#17, green) has a great match with Deportivo Cali last September.
A rough translation of portions of the article:
The leading scorer of the past Colombian professional tournament said "I am waiting with tickets to start the season with the Seattle Sounders."
The former Deportivo Cali attacker, who is in the city of Barranquilla since last December, said he has used the days before his trip to share with his family.
"Actually I have been resting, sharing with family and playing some matches with friends."
Montero is only 21 years old and has played for the Colombian national football team twice and with two different professional clubs (Huila and Deportivo Cali).
"I will be looking forward to what may happen in Spain, but if things are not defined by January 31 with the Spanish league I will stay in MLS with Seattle."
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Welcome to Seattle, Freddy. We'll give our '100%' support for you and you'll love the Emerald City with great real futbol support & passion.
ReplyDeleteWe'll rock Quest Field this year with over 25,000 real futbol fans each game. Expect to have double that number for the opening game.
-- DonSeattle --
I'm really disappointed that Roy Miller won't be joining us. We're already a bit short on defenders and I'm sure he would have gotten a good amount of playing time had he joined us. With the Jeff Parke saga continuing the way it has, who knows which two guys will be playing centerback against the Red Bulls on opening day...
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