MLS Newcomers: Week One and Fredy Is King
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MLS News
Wednesday, 25 March 2009 18:23
First week of the new feature and there should be a lot of debate about who gets on the list and what not (especially if they have yet to play). The rookies seemed to outplay the acquisitions. Montero stays at No. 1, rightfully so, while two other Sounder teammates complete the sweep of the top three. "Points" will be counted starting next week...

1. Fredy Montero (Seattle)

Fredy made it easy on us with a two-goal, one-assist debut vs. New York, solidifying his catch as No. 1 MLS newcomer. Most importantly, the 21-year old looked comfortable out there and with his supporting cast in fine form, he was able to capitalize on several chances. Let's see the kid face a tough Crew defense before declaring him a worthy opponent for Landon Donovan at the top of the scoring charts. The talk of the preseason has not failed to disappoint so far though...

2. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle)




Did anyone see Juan Pablo Angel last Thursday? Precisely. Yes, Angel failed to get proper service from his teammates (in fact there was not one Van den Bergh-esque cross delivered by RBNY last week) but he had a chance every once in a while. It was the strong, athletic presence of Hurtado that got in his way. If Hurtado can man-mark Angel, I would like to see him against a speedier Landon Donovan. Regardless, he delivered a performance worthy of 2nd spot.

3. Sebastian Le Toux (Seattle)

A sweep of the trifecta for Seattle. Not surprising considering their performance vs. New York. Both Le Toux and fellow former USL-er Osvaldo Alonso proved that the gap between USL and MLS really isn't that big. Consistency is key and a lot of Seattle fans see that as not a big problem for Le Toux and his crew. He assisted Seattle's first-ever goal which is fitting for the Frenchman considering his roots in the old Sounders.

4. Santiago Hirsig (Kansas City)

Only 30 minutes of playing time and Wizards fans are already calling Hirsig a much better version of midfield flop Carlos Marinelli. Hirsig provided the assist on Davy Arnaud's second bomb to make things interesting vs. Toronto FC. He certainly showcased his creativity from the get-go, especially considering Curt Onalfo called on him a lot earlier than the Argentinean expected. He couldn't win the game, but he definitely influenced it.

5. Chris Pontius (DC United)

Pontius' first MLS goal put United up 2-0 as he cut in on two LA defenders and bent one to the right upper 90. Forgetting about the goal for a second, it was the rookie's work ethic and determination that impressed the whole game, tracking back at times and really making things difficult for LA's back four.

6. Kevin Alston (New England)




The second rookie on the list, Alston drew rave reviews for his work on San Jose's Darren Huckerby out wide. The former Norwich City striker got his chances here and there but Alston, as a rookie back, did what only what he was supposed to—keep him scoreless and help preserve a New England shutout.

7. Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle)

The DP Freddie only drops due to not playing, but the hype is there and he is expected to make his much anticipated debut on Saturday night vs. Real Salt Lake. The former Gunner has looked a bit rusty in training, understandably so after hip surgery, but with Seattle's opening performance many Sounder supporters will be itching to see how he fits into the high-octane offensive set-up that blitzed New York.

8. Sam Cronin (Toronto FC)

He started out wide for TFC, an interesting move considering he hadn't featured there all preseason. John Carver admitted his play was great and that he'd probably see more time there as the year went on, but Cronin's performance—though it didn't knock any socks off—was indicative of a great debut week for all 2009 rookies.

9. Stefan Frei (Toronto FC)




The rookie goalkeeper looked pretty solid in net despite giving up two goals. Those two Kansas City goals were delivered by Arnaud and borderline "unsaveable". His debut, otherwise, was somewhat quiet and it's still unclear with John Carver if the 22-year old Frei deserves yet another start over a close to 100 percent Greg Sutton or second-year keeper Brian Edwards.

10. Pablo Vitti (Toronto FC)

The Argentine striker didn't get in the goalfest vs. Kansas City, but if his offense can produce at that clip all season it bodes well for a guy in search of some much needed goals. Not to mention a team looking to extend this kind of three-goal performance all season. Carver sat in favor of more defensive-minded Sam Cronin away vs. Kansas City, but he should be a sure lock for a start vs. Columbus this weekend when three Reds are away on international duty.

OTHERS CONSIDERED: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle), Steve Zakuani (Seattle), Jeremy Hall (New York), Kasey Keller (Seattle), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), AJ DeLaGarza (Los Angeles), Kyle Patterson (Los Angeles), Sanna Nyassi (Seattle)


DROPPING OFF: David Ferreira (FC Dallas), Albert Celades (New York), Bobby Convey (San Jose)


BAD WEEKS FOR: Steve Purdy (FC Dallas), Eduardo Lillingston (Chivas USA)

Looking back at this, Zakuani, Nyassi, Gonzalez, Hall, or even Keller should take Vitti's position at No. 10. I just couldn't decide though. So I kept it as is. Chime in below. Who do you think is most likely to pan out through out the year? Biggest busts?

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