While Union have been cheering their name and seeing their performances that aided the Union's rise to the top of the Eastern Conference, MLSSoccer.com contributor Greg Seltzer has named both Jamiro Monteiro and Kai Wagner to the top 10 surprise performers of the MLS first half of 2019.
Monteiro took some time adjust after making his Union debut at LA Galaxy but has roared to life lately with four goals and seven assists. "Few thought all that much about a guy the Union picked up on loan in the wake of opening day. Simply put, Monteiro has been the midfield Swiss army knife for one of the better possess-and-pass clubs in MLS." Seltzer continued and said that "if one had to pick somebody from the clear East leaders to put in the MVP, it should be this guy."
Wagner fought his into the Union's starting XI and hasn't relinquished the role since. "The two-way left back has filled the prescription for Jim Curtin's ball control game plan. What's more, Wagner has given the Eastern Conference leaders' on-field demeanor a healthy dose of hot sauce that was often previously lacking."
