[MLS] Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero, one of the best young South American players ever to join MLS, won the 2009 MLS Newcomer of the Year award, and Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton won the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award.
 
Montero, 22, led the expansion Sounders in scoring with 12 goals while recording seven assists to tie for the second highest total on the team with Nate Jaqua. The Colombian burst on the scene, tallying two goals and an assist in the club's season-opening win against the New York Red Bulls before a sellout crowd at Qwest Field and live national audience on March 19.
 
Thornton was also named the  2009 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The 36-year-old goalkeeper led Chivas USA to its fourth consecutive playoff berth in his first full season as a starter since 2006.
 
MLS Newcomer of the Year Winners:
 
2009: Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders FC
2008: Darren Huckerby - San Jose Earthquakes
2007: Luciano Emilio - D.C. United
 
MLS Comeback Player of the Year Winners:
2009: Zach Thornton - Chivas USA
2008: Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas
2007: Eddie Johnson - Kansas City Wizards
2006: Richard Mulrooney - FC Dallas
2005: Chris Klein - Kansas City Wizards
2004: Brian Ching - San Jose Earthquakes
2003: Chris Armas - Chicago Fire
2002: Chris Klein - Kansas City Wizards
2001: Troy Dayak - San Jose Earthquakes
2000: Tony Meola - Kansas City Wizards