As we reach the summer months, we close the book on a high scoring May, setting up a true offensive showcase through June. Below is our Eastern Conference Team of the Month!

Due to some clubs (Louisville, Rochester, Orlando City B, Saint Louis and Charlotte) playing only two matches in the month of May, the minimum appearances required to make the Team of the Month has been set at two. Each rating is based on total rating points accumulated in May, divided by appearances made throughout the month.

Goalkeeper: Trey Mitchell, Pittsburgh Riverhounds: 1855 pts

Leading the East in clean sheets with three shutouts in four appearances for the month, Mitchell is one of the reasons why Pittsburgh have done a 180 from last season’s woes, to being in the midst of the playoff race this season.

Defender: Jamal Jack, Pittsburgh Riverhounds: 2177 pts

Not to be outdone by his teammate above, Jamal Jack has been an anchor to the Riverhounds back line. Jack sits in the top five of clearances, blocks, and interceptions for the club.

Defender: O’Brian Woodbine, Charleston Battery: 1956.5 pts

Consistent play is what lands a player on this list, and that is exactly what O’Brian Woodbine provides for the Battery. Through his seven appearances with the club this season, Woodbine has played his way into the top five in clearances and interceptions for Charleston.

Defender: Forrest Lasso, Charleston Battery: 1880.33 pts

With four goals on the season, Lasso is one the most reliable scoring threats for Charleston. The defender added another goal to his impressive tally in the month of May.

Midfielder: Jorge Herrera, Charlotte Independence: 3244 pts

Despite only two matches in May, Jorge Herrera hasn’t stopped scoring. He scored two goals on the month, moving into second on the team only behind his player of the month teammate. Herrera also leads the club in chances created.

Midfielder: Kenardo Forbes, Rochester Rhinos: 1824 pts

When it comes to offensive chances on the Rhinos, everything begins with Kenardo Forbes. He is responsible for 13 shots on the year and 13 chances created, the most of any Rochester player in both categories. He also scored his second goal of the season in a draw against Richmond late in the month.

Midfielder: Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence: 3497 pts, Player of the Month

Increasing his goals tally to four this month, and scoring in three of his last four matches, Enzo Martinez has turned Charlotte into one of the hottest clubs in the East and is our pick for the Player of the Month.

Midfielder: Joe Cole, Tampa Bay Rowdies: 2054 pts

The Rowdies captain makes his first appearance on a Team of the Month list. He is tied for the most assists by a Rowdies player with three and leads the club in shots on target.

Midfielder: David Estrada, Charlotte Independence: 2269.5 pts

The trio of Independence midfielders is rounded out by David Estrada, who scored two of his three goals of the season in May. Estrada scored both goals off of his two only shots on target this season.

Forward: Danni Konig, FC Cincinnati: 2091.33 pts

FC Cincinnati’s trade with the OKC Energy for Danni Konig may go down as the best decision the club will make all season. Through May, Konig scored 75% of the club’s, goals, and now has more goals for Cincinnati than any player not named Djiby Fall. With goals in his last two matches, Konig may be making a return appearance on this list in June.

Forward: Tucker Hume, Ottawa Fury FC: 1997.67 pts

Tucker Hume has helped turn around a Fury attack that scored seven goals in four matches through May, with Hume himself being responsible for two. One of the reasons why Ottawa’s offense has improved has been the team’s ability to spread the ball around; Hume is one six different players to post an assist so far this season.

Honorable Mentions:

Goalkeeper: Alex Tabakis, Charleston Battery: 1850 pts

Defender: Taylor Washington, Pittsburgh Riverhounds: 1789 pts

Midfielder: Pierre Da Silva, Orlando City B: 1778.5 pts

Forward: Romario Williams, Charleston Battery: 1661 pts

Thoughts

May was a big month in Carolina, as Charlotte and Charleston send a total of five players to May’s Best XI. The trio of Independence midfielders have scored a combined nine goals on the season, more than three Eastern Conference clubs have scored this year. The appearance of Woodbine and Lasso on the Team of the Month continues to back up that the Battery’s defense among the best in the league. Pittsburgh also sends a pair of players to this month’s list.

The forwards, Tucker Hume and Danni Konig, have burst onto the scene here in the Eastern Conference, with each rejuvenating their respective club’s attack. It will be interesting to see if either player can sustain this scoring prowess into the summer months.

What do you think of May’s Team of the Month? Is there a player not listed that you think deserves a spot? What players are you watching in the month of June? Let us know in the comments below!