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The month of May was measured by incredible success for the New England Revolution as they posted a 4-1-0 record, scoring 14 goals while conceding seven. The loss to Montreal at the end of the month broke a seven-match unbeaten run and a five-match winning streak. The Revs have received league-wide recognition for their form, and that has perhaps culminated this week with Diego Fagundez being named a candidate for MLS Player of the Month.
Fagundez's form was as red-hot as his club's in May. In those five matches he scored four goals and notched two assists, benefiting from a near-supernatural understanding with Teal Bunbury and Patrick Mullins up top and the excellent play of Lee Nguyen behind him to both finish and create chances.
To earn the Revs' first such award this season, Diego faces stiff competition:
Dom Dwyer: The Sporting KC frontman put in six goals in seven games, but his club only went 2-3-2 over that stretch. He's less a creator and all-around player than Fagundez, but his form is every bit as hot, even if his team's is not. He also has the benefit of being on a team that has seen the national spotlight a lot in recent seasons, which is always a factor in popularity contests like these. As of this writing, he is leading the vote.
Fabian Espindola: D.C. United's mercurial Argentine scored three goals and tallied two assists in six games, with United going 3-2-1 over that stretch. One of those goals was against the Revs. Espindola's resume is probably the weakest of the candidates, but his habit of popping up and scoring at the most crucial times should give voters pause.
Obafemi Martins: The Seattle Sounders candidate could arguably take it on the strength of that fanbase and national bias alone. He may need it, too, as he's only scored three goals and two assists in six games, though Seattle went 4-1-1 in that time. His understanding with Clint Dempsey has blossomed into a fearsome and entertaining attack, and few can doubt his talent.
Javier Morales: Real Salt Lake's unbeaten streak may have ended, and their form may actually be suspect, but Morales has been a shining beacon of talent in that squad. He's racked up four goals and three assists through just five games, helping RSL to a 3-1-1 record in May.
Clearly, Diego needs all the help he can get. At the time of this writing, he is mired in last place in the voting. It's probably down to a mix of national spotlight bias, the help of the cast around Fagundez compared to some of these other players, and maybe his numbers, to a point. Regardless, if Revolution fans want him to win it, they need to turn out the votes in droves, so go vote!