The Seattle Sounders’ training pitch at Tukwila Wednesday was burning from the torrid heat applied in workout activity by star striker Fredy Montero.

The talented Colombian continues to improve his offensive game from the standpoint of kicks and headers. As he stands as one of the MLS’ leaders in goals scored, he continues to excel as well in the assist department.

Coach Sigi Schmid was delighted with the skills Montero displayed today in delivering booming kicks into the net. Following the workout he delivered praise Montero’s way.

“He is obviously technically a very good player and he is a player who’s got a good eye in front of the goal,” Schmid said. “His effort has been really good and, as a result, I think that has got him on the ball more and by getting on the ball more it gives you more chances to make plays. He has made some good decisions.

“The cross against D.C. was superb. It’s not a cross that everyone can hit and Roger [Levesque] finished it well at the back post. He [Montero] has definitely been involved with us on those goals and connecting and finding people. It’s a tribute to the work but it’s also a tribute to his ability as a player.”

Schmid also delivered praise to team captain and reliable veteran Kasey Keller for his stellar goalkeeping efforts.

“Well, he certainly came up with some big saves in D.C.,” Schmid enthused. “I know nobody beats himself up more if he gives up a bad goal than Kasey and he deserves the praise right now because he’s played well and he’s come up with some big saves for us.

“He’s been sharp. His training has been good. Tommy Dutra [Goalkeeper Coach] feels that every day when we check in. As long as he feels like that, I know he would like a new contract for next year so that helps, but it’s all about performance and he is performing very, very well. He is, in my mind, still one of the top goalkeepers in this league, without a doubt.”

The Sounders are preparing for one of their most important contests of the season. Western Conference rival Colorado Rapids comes to Seattle for a Sunday evening face off on the Xbox Pitch of Qwest Field.

Schmid expressed delight with Wednesday’s workout:

“It (the training session) was good. We are off tomorrow so we really wanted to push it today. I thought the guys put in a good effort today. It was good. We accomplished what we wanted to achieve from a work standpoint but also working on our defense a little bit, making sure we keep our shape and do a good job defending.”

Coach Schmid explained about his team’s offensive and defensive efforts based on tempo.

“It’s (team offense) a little bit of both [tactical decisions and personnel changes],” Schmid noted. “It’s also our attitude. We think we are a better team when we step up the pressure defensively.

“It’s sometimes difficult, especially for a young team, to play at one tempo defensively and then try to play at another tempo offensively. By stepping up the pressure defensively, it allows us to get into a little bit of a faster game, which suits us, and it also allows us to win the ball back in earlier parts of the field, which I think allows us to be more offensive.”

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