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With the MLS schedule for September now over, it is time for members of the media to submit their votes for MLS player of the month.
The only problem is that this month, perhaps more than any other month this season, picking the best player for the month is very difficult because there isn’t an obvious choice. Do you go with FC Dallas’ Jeff Cunningham (three goals, two assists), Landon Donovan (three goals, two assists), Darren Huckerby (three goals, one assist) or Juan Pablo Angel (three goals). Or do you go with a defensive player who has helped anchor a back-line while also contributing on the score sheet, like Colorado’s Mike Petke (two goals in September)?
I voted for the Columbus Crew’s Chad Marshall.
Marshall helped the Crew go 3-0-1 in September with a .5 goals against average over the four games. Along with being a rock in the back who held opposing forwards without a goal in the run of play through four games (Juan Pablo Angel scored on a free kick), Marshall also scored the game-winning goal for Columbus against New England this past weekend to help increase the Crew’s lead in the East to eight points.
Petke also deserves consideration. He helped anchor a Rapids defense that posted consecutive shutouts to start the month, while scoring two goals, including the game-winner against FC Dallas. Yes, the Rapids just gave up four goals to the Red Bulls, but Petke didn’t play badly and scored one of Colorado’s five goals.
The problem with voting for the defenders this month is I have a feeling neither Marshall or Petke will get many votes. Fans and media love goal-scorers and the exploits of Cunningham and Huckerby might attract more attention than Marshall or Petke, although I would argue that the defenders were more vital to their team’s strong Septembers.
Now, it’s your turn to vote. I want to know who you think deserves the honor this month.
Who did you vote for? Was there someone you would rather have voted for who wasn’t on the ballot?
Share your thoughts on this month’s MLS player of the month award below.