TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced Memphis 901 FC forward Marlon Santos had been voted the league’s Player of the Month for May as the Brazilian forward recorded five goals and three assists in four appearances to lead 901 FC to an undefeated month in the campaign.

Returning to the Championship this season after previous stints with Birmingham Legion FC and FC Tulsa, Marlon produced a standout campaign that saw him contribute directly to eight of Memphis’ 10 goals in the month. He recorded two goals and one assist as 901 FC ended the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ undefeated start to the season with a 4-1 victory on May 4 and then notched a goal and assist in each of the club’s next two outings before completing the month with the game-winning goal against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“I am delighted that Marlon has won this award in recognition of his incredible level of performance throughout May,” said Memphis Head Coach Stephen Glass. “Since the decision was made to move him to a new position he has truly excelled, and we are all pleased that he has been named Player of the Month. Marlon’s individual award is a good indicator of the performance of the team overall and we now look to continue the good work and embrace the challenges ahead in the Western Conference.”

The 29-year-old has predominantly played as a winger in the USL Championship during his career, but his move to become 901 FC’s center forward has helped the club’s overall direction this season. Marlon currently leads Memphis with six goals and five assists and is tied for second in the league with 11 goal contributions as the side seeks a fourth consecutive trip to the USL Championship Playoffs.

“We are delighted for Marlon,” said 901 FC Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “He has put in a lot of work in preseason and throughout the start of the year and he is now getting his rewards. He has played multiple positions so far this year out of necessity but his transition to striker has seen him have an incredible month. We look forward to watching Marlon lead us to more victories this season.”

Marlon earned 31 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Championship Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLChampionship.com. Loudoun United FC goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux finished second on 29 percent after finishing tied for a league-high 19 saves and posting three shutouts during the month.

USL Championship Player of the Month – May 2024