Washington, D.C. - Major League Soccer announced today D.C. United's Luciano Emilio has been named MLS Player of the Month after scoring six goals during the month of September and helping United to a 4-0-2 record. Emilio's honor comes on the heels of United goalkeeper Troy Perkins being named MLS Player of the Month for August. The League's leading MVP candidate also earned Goal of the Week honors following his impressive rebound side-volley in the club's 4-1 victory over Toronto FC on September 29.
Emilio's September 29 tally was his 20th goal in 2007 - most in MLS this season. He is the first player to score 20 goals since 2002, when Carlos Ruiz (24) and Taylor Twellman (23) each eclipsed the mark. With three regular season home games remaining, the Brazilian has a shot at breaking United's club record of goals scored in a season - 23, set by Raul Diaz Arce in 1996. Emilio's 20 goals have come without having the opportunity to attempt any of United's six penalty kicks this season.
Emilio earned Player of the Week honors after he scored twice in a 2-2 tie with Chivas USA on September 6 and notched another two goals in a 4-2 victory over the New England Revolution on September 9. He also tallied a goal in the 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on September 12 and finished the month with the goal against Toronto FC.
D.C. United is currently riding a League-best, 11-game unbeaten streak and stands atop the Major League Soccer standings, four points ahead of the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference. After playing in Kansas City Friday, the Black-and-Red will play their two remaining League matches at RFK Stadium. Tickets to United's highly anticipated match-ups with the Chicago Fire (10/13) and the Crew (10/20) are available via www.dcunited.com or by calling 202-587-5000.
2007 MLS Player of the Month winners:
April: Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
May: Juan Pablo Ángel (New York Red Bulls)
June: Juan Pablo Ángel (New York Red Bulls)
July: Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)
August: Troy Perkins (D.C. United)
September: Luciano Emilio (D.C. United)
