Steve Zakuani is making the most of his opportunity in MLS with the Seattle Sounders.

The number one draft-pick at the 2009 MLS SuperDraft has experienced a successful first pro season after crossing from University of Akron via Cleveland Internationals.

The Zaire-born Congolese attacker believes he has come on in leaps and bounds since signing with the Sounders and says coach Sigi Schmid has had a big part to play.

"I think my game is night and day compared to when I first came to Seattle as a rookie to train in January to now near the end of the season, I am a completely different player," the former Arsenal academy player said in an interview on Ohio.com.

"He (Schmid) is one of the best coaches, if not the best coach in the league. I learn something new every day training with him. I know he likes the way I play and I like the way he coaches. He never lets me rest, he keeps challenging me."

The 21-year old admitted his first MLS goal was dedicated to his former university because of the job they did in helping him become a pro footballer.

" I scored right before halftime," he said of his goal against Toronto FC in April.

"It was a great feeling, it was my first professional goal and a goal I will not forget. It was a goal after the game that I dedicated to the University of Akron because the two years I played there helped me get to where I am today."