MLS Newcomers: Old "Keller" Leads Four Sounders in Top Six
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Wednesday, 01 April 2009 17:34
Once again the rookies impressed and it's getting tough to fit them all in the top 10. Darrius Barnes and Jeremy Hall could have both arguably been on this list but the play of other newcomers as pushed them off. Hall looked great in his first MLS start and Barnes continues to impress as part of a young back four for the Revolution. Seattle dominates once again at the top of the list with four in the top six. Last week's order looked like this...


1. Kasey Keller (Seattle) [last week - NA]


The Seattle defense was a bit porous vs. Salt Lake, but as long as Keller, the last line, was there it almost didn't matter. Salt Lake couldn't get anything by the veteran and he won player of the week honors because of that. He's two-for-two with clean sheets and Keller has yet to show his age.

2. Fredy Montero (Seattle) [last week - #1]

Montero was beaten and battered the whole game, but it just goes to show that all a classy forward needs is one opportunity to change things around. Montero got that chance late in the 2-0 win over RSL and took it, even with Freddie Ljungberg shooting up the center of the field, wide open. Montero went for goal instead from 25 yards out, producing a knuckleball that dipped over Nick Rimando and into Salt Lake's net. It was his third in two games.

3. Cam Weaver (San Jose) [last week - NA]

A goal and an assist in an entertaining win over Houston as the Earthquakes, this time around, didn't squander the chances they had to take the three points. Weaver and Johnson up front could really develop into a tough strikeforce.

4. Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle) [last week - NA]




5. Chris Pontius (DC United) [last week - #5]
He had two golden chances and failed to finish on either. Regardless, if he starts to convert and continues finding these chances, United could have a Rookie of the Year on their hands. He was a consistent threat on the right wing.


6. Steve Zakuani (Seattle) [last week - NA]

It was Zakuani's speed and shake n' bake that threw RSL's Tony Beltran off enough to allow a perfect cross to Nate Jaqua. Zakuani looks to poise to make a huge impact this year. It must be the design shaved into his head.

7. Kevin Alston (New England) [last week - #6]

Alston did well to contain Angel, who is still looking to find the net this year. It was three young backs and Jay Heaps vs. the Red Bulls but if Alston keeps playing like this, it'll make Steve Nicol's life much easier.

8. Eduardo Lillingston (Chivas USA) [last week - NA]




A workhorse vs. FC Dallas. Not flashy and possibly a little lucky on the goal, but it was still a gamewinner. A big improvement upon last week's debut. It's only two games in but Preki's two Mexican signings (Trujillo and Lillingston) look to be a big part of his plans this year.

9. Sam Cronin (Toronto FC) [last week - #8]

Cronin continues to impress and it doesn't look like he'll be giving up his spot in the Starting XI for Toronto any time soon. The former Deacon looks very comfortable in a holding midfield role and, at times, he arguably was one of the best players on the field.

10. Bojan Stepanovic (Chivas USA) [last week - NA]

Signed on Friday and thrown right into the fray (although he has been training with them all preseason) on Sunday, Stepanovic couldn't have had a more memorable debut for the Goats. The Serb scored shortly after coming on for fellow newcomer Eduardo Lillingston.

ON THE RISE: Darrius Barnes (DF-NER), Alex Grendi (MF-CMB), Jeremy Hall (DF/MF-RBNY), Gerson Mayen (MF-CHV)

DROPPING OFF: Pablo Vitti (FW-TFC), Stefan Frei (GK-TFC), Freddie Ljungberg (MF-SEA), Santiago Hirsig (MF-KCW), Sebastian Le Toux (MF-SEA), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (DF-SEA)

DEBUTS: Matt Besler (KCW), Danny Cruz (HOU), Freddie Ljungberg (SEA), Peri Marosevic (FCD), Dejan Stepanovic (CHV), Gerson Mayen (MF-CHV), Pablo Vitti (FW-TFC), Brandon Barklage (DCU), Brad Knighton (NER)

WAITING TO SEE: Ade Akinbiyi (HOU), Emmanuel Gomez (TFC), Emmanuel Osei (NER), Stephane Assengue Ombiogno (NER), Eric Brunner (DF-CMB), Albert Celades (DF/MF-RBNY), Ange N'Silu (DCU), Amadou Sanyang (TFC)

BAD WEEKS FOR: Steve Purdy (FCD)

OVERALL

1. Freddy Montero (Seattle - 19 pts.)
2. Chris Pontius (DC United - 12 pts.)
3. Kasey Keller (Seattle - 10 pts.)
4. Kevin Alston (New England - 9 pts.)
Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle - 9 pts.)
5. Cam Weaver (San Jose - 8 pts.)
Sebastian Le Toux (Seattle - 8 pts.)
6. Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle - 7 pts.)
Santiago Hirsig (Kansas City - 7 pts.)
7. Steve Zakuani (Seattle - 5 pts.)
Sam Cronin (Toronto FC - 5 pts.)
8. Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle - 4 pts.)
9. Eduardo Lillingston (Chivas USA - 3 pts.)
10. Stefan Frei (Toronto FC - 2 pts.)
11. Pablo Vitti (Toronto FC - 1 pts.)
Bojan Stepanovic (Chivas USA - 1 pts.)

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