Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday that Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez has been named the July Player of the Month.

The Colombian forward led all of MLS with seven goal contributions during the month (3G, 4A) while his assists were tied for the second most in MLS. Hernandez claimed either a game-winning-goal or assist in the three Crew wins. Claiming the 2023 MLS Cup MVP award last year, he tallied a goal and an assist in the MLS Cup rematch where the Crew bested LAFC by a 5-1 scoreline on July 13.

Later that month, Hernandez recorded his 80th goal contribution over the last three seasons, achieving the feat as the first player in Club history. In 18 appearances, Hernandez has recorded 13 goals and eight assists, scoring six game-winning-goals so far this season, which sits tied for third most in MLS. He trails FC Cincinnati star Luciano Acosta and LAFC forward Denis Bouanga who have seven each.

Hernandez topped off a great month being one of five members named to the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target that was held in Columbus. Hernandez scored MLS’ lone goal in the 4-1 loss to Liga MX All-Stars, assisted by his Uruguayan counterpart Diego Rossi. He has scored in the last six major competitons that the Black & Gold have featured in.

While he is the first Crew player to claim the award this season, Hernandez has claimed the Player of the Month twice during his tenure with the Crew, winning the achievement in September of 2023. He joins Guillermo BArros Schelotto (three) and Brad Friedel (two) as the only players in Club history to win it multiple times.

After joining from Watford FC in 2022, Hernandez has tallied 43 goals and 24 assists combined so far.

Hernandez and the Crew face-off against Aston Villa Saturday in a Leagues Cup showcase held at Lower.com Field before officially entering the Leagues Cup tournament in the Round of 32, where the Crew will host the second place opponent from the West 4 group that features the Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City and Toluca on August 9. Kickoff for that game is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT and can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.