Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero has been loaned to Millonarios of the Colombian first division for the 2013 season, the club announced on Monday.
Montero, 25, joined the Sounders for their inaugural MLS season in 2009 from Colombian side Deportivo Cali and is the club's all-time leading scorer with 47 goals in league play - the third-most goals in MLS since 2009.
Overall, Montero has scored 60 goals with 43 assists in all competitions to lead the team. He has also recorded 23 game-winning goals and 12 game-winning assists in all competitions.
"Fredy has been a fantastic player and pro for Sounders FC over our first four years," owner/general manager Adrian Hanauer said. "We wish Fredy the best of success with Millonarios as he continues to develop as a player. We hope this move helps Fredy's chances of being called up to the Colombian National Team, as he has certainly earned it."
Montero was named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2009 and has since garnered three MLS All-Star selections. He, along with Philadelphia Union defender Carlos Valdes, becomes the second Colombian-born player to leave MLS and return home in hopes of securing a national team call-up ahead of 2014 World Cup qualifying.
