Sporting KC midfielder Benny Feilhaber named MLS player of the month
Benny Feilhaber sat in front of his locker late Sunday evening, as reporters cycled through an array of questions about the latest Sporting Kansas City victory. The conversation eventually led to a question about Feilhaber himself, his recent play and his confidence level.
Has the 2015 season provided the most exemplary moments of his five-year MLS career?
Feilhaber didn't hesitate.
"Probably," he responded. "I think I try to play with confidence whether I'm playing well or not, but obviously there are moments when that all falls into place, and right now, it's doing that.
"I'm just enjoying the ride right now."
His recent performance was recognized Monday, when MLS rewarded him with its April player of the month award.
Feilhaber, 30, scored twice and added three assists over four April matches. He highlighted the streak with the first two-goal outing of his MLS career in a 4-4 draw with Houston on April 25.
Earlier in the month, he ignited a 3-2 comeback victory against Philadelphia with a pair of assists.
He is tied for the MLS lead with five assists this season — which came on the team's first seven goals of the season — and he nearly produced three more helpers in Sunday's 1-0 victory against visiting Chicago, but his teammates squandered the scoring opportunities each time. He is the second fastest player in club history to reach five assists in a season.
"I think, for the coaching staff, what's very rewarding is when you work with a guy like Benny, (who) maybe at times had a difficulty valuing certain aspects of the game, and now he does those things pretty regularly," Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said after Sunday's victory. "He believes in it now. He values it. His level of play has increased tremendously. He's been a very important player for our team this season in the way he's contributing on an every-game basis."
In his third year with Sporting KC, Feilhaber has produced nine goals and 15 assists. He previously won the MLS player of the month award last July.
To reach Sam McDowell, call 816-234-4869 or send email to smcdowell@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcDowell11.
This story was originally published May 4, 2015 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Sporting KC midfielder Benny Feilhaber named MLS player of the month."