Big week for Argentine Gaitan

• by Soccer America , Apr 19, 2011

[WEEKLY HONORS] Puerto Rico's Jonathan Fana and Carolina's Brad Rusin took Player of the Week honors in the NASL, while Argentine forward Walter Gaitan was named the USL PRO Player of the Week after scoring three goals and added an assist in the Los Angeles Blues’ opening two games of the season, both wins in the Caribbean.

NASL. For the second straight week, an Islander attacking player was named the NASL Offensive Player of the Week. Fana scored twice for the Islanders in a 2-0 away victory over FC Tampa Bay.

Rusin played a key role in the RailHawks' 2-1 win over Montreal, marking Impact star Ali Gerba for much of the match, and holding him without a shot over 90 minutes.

USL PRO. Gaitan recorded a goal and an assist as the Blues defeated Sevilla FC Puerto Rico, 3-0, in their opening game of the season on Friday. He then scored twice, including a spectacular free kick, to help the Blues rally from an early deficit to take a 2-1 victory against Antigua Barracuda FC two days later.

USL PRO TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Goalkeeper
Brock Duckworth, Wilmington
Recorded shutout of Rochester in professional debut
Defenders
Rob Valentino, Orlando City
Scored game-winning goal for Lions against Charlotte
Yomby William, Richmond
Key player in shutout of Rochester, third win of season for Kickers
Nelson Akwari, Los Angeles
Strong performance as Blues recorded shutout in season-opener
Jorge Herrera, Charlotte
Strong defensively as Eagles were edged out by Orlando
Midfielders
Luke Mulholland, Wilmington
Scored game-winner in professional debut for Hammerheads
Nicki Paterson, Charleston
Had goal, added assist in Battery’s 2-1 win against Dayton
Lawrence Olum, Orlando City
Dominated midfield in return from preseason injury
Forwards
Walter Gaitan, Los Angeles
Scored three goals, added assist in Blues’ opening two wins
Kolby LaCrone, Dayton
Had first goal in Dutch Lions’ professional history
Tamarley Thomas, Antigua Barracuda FC
Powerful forward gave Barracuda FC lead in home opener