TUKWILA, Wash. — Seattle Sounders defender Chad Marshall was voted September’s Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month on Thursday, but he was quick to deflect the honor to his teammates.
The Sounders went undefeated in September (3-0-1) as they continue their torrid run of form and look to secure a postseason spot. The defense, led by Marshall and Roman Torres at center back, allowed a league-best three goals in September, including two clean sheets.
“The entire team is defending well,” Marshall said. “Everyone has bought into what the coaching staff is selling. [Interim head coach Brian] Schmetzer has been honest about being good on both sides of the ball, and maybe that was something that wasn’t harped on as much previously in the season.”
The three-time MLS Defender of the Year also scored the game-winning goal against the Chicago Fire on Sept. 28, his fourth of the season, which ties a career high and is tied for the lead for MLS defenders this season. He is the first defender to be named MLS Player of the Month since he took home the honor over seven years ago while a member of the Columbus Crew.
Marshall mentioned that the awards would be nice to reflect upon after he retires, but his current focus is on the team and knows he’s not the only player contributing.
“I think [the Player of the Month] could be a handful of guys on our team,” Marshall said. “I’m happy to accept it, but it’s a team award.”
