Jerson Monteiro

Jerson Vanencio Monteiro (born April 28, 1985 in Luanda, Angola) is a professional soccer player. At the age of 14 he left his native country to attend school in the United States. He graduated from Robert E Lee high school in Houston, Texas. He currently is unsigned.

He has obtained a United States green card so he will count as a domestic player according to MLS rules.

Career

Jerson played varsity soccer for the Blazers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2003 - 2006. Monteiro, a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) second-team All-Midwest Region performer, had a career season for the Blazers in 2006. He led the team in goals (14), assists (7) and points (35) on the campaign. The 14 goals tied for fourth-most in a season in school history, while his 35 points were fifth-best in UAB lore. Furthermore, the first team all-conference honoree, closed his career with 34 goals and 84 points during his career, ranking second on the school's all-time list.

Monteiro was selected 8th in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire in the first round. He played in 5 games (1 start) (154 minutes) for the Fire, scoring his first MLS goal against D.C. United on June 16, 2007 at RFK Stadium. He also appeared in 3 Reserve Division games for the Fire (2 starts), totaling 235 minutes.

Monteiro was traded to D.C. United on September 14, 2007 in exchange for a conditional 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick.