Sporting KC forward Krisztian Nemeth is named MLS player of the month for May

The MLS player of the month award is staying in Kansas City for another month.

After Sporting KC midfielder Benny Feilhaber held the distinction in April, forward Krisztian Nemeth was named Thursday as the league’s player of the month for May.

Nemeth contributed three goals and two assists in May, when Sporting KC was unbeaten over five matches. He edged Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco for the honor.

In his first MLS season, Nemeth, 26, has adapted quickly to Sporting Kansas City’s system, and he leads the team with six goals in nine starts. His 14 points are tied for the second most among all MLS newcomers.

“I’m surprised maybe by how fast he’s adapted, but I’m not surprised of his quality,” Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said. “... He’s got a lot of different qualities he brings to the field — whether it’s being able to score, pass, break somebody down off the dribble, get on the end of set pieces. He’s got a lot of really good qualities.”

The club will be without his services Saturday, when it plays host to Seattle, the leaders of the Western Conference. Nemeth joined the Hungary men’s national team this week for its next two international matches.

Marin finds new home

A week after departing Sporting KC, goalkeeper Luis Marin has already found a new club.

Marin signed Wednesday with Club Deportivo Palestino in his native Chile, the club announced.

Marin spent the first 11 years of his professional career in Chile before joining Sporting KC in the offseason. After losing his starting job to Tim Melia, Marin asked Sporting KC for his release to return home and address a family issue.

All-Star voting

Three Sporting KC players are part of the MLS All-Star Fan XI after the first week of voting.

Captain Matt Besler trails only LA Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez among defenders. Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi are third and fourth among midfielders, respectively.

The Fan XI consists of three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards.

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Sporting KC forward Krisztian Nemeth is named MLS player of the month for May."