[WEEKLY HONORS] FC Edmonton midfielder Shaun Saiko, who had a hat trick in FC Edmonton’s 3-0 home win over theCarolina RailHawks, was named the NASL Offensive Player of the Week. Minnesota Stars FC center back Cristiano Dias was named NASL Defensive Player of the Week.Rochester Rhinos midfielder Drew Cost was selected as the USL PRO Player of the Week.
Saiko, a local Alberta product, has been the catalyst in FCEdmonton’s offense of late with four of the goals and an assist in his last two games. The club failed to score in its first three NASL matches this year.
Dias anchored theback line in the Stars’ 2-0 shutout win against the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday night, helping limit the high-scoring Silverbacks to just two shots on goal.
Cost’s longpass to JC Banks helped set up the only goal of the game as the Rhinos earned a 1-0 victory over the Charlotte Eagles in their home opener.
USL PRO Team ofthe Week
Goalkeepers
Eric Reed, Charlotte
Made a pair of strong saves late to preserves winagainst Harrisburg
Defenders
Jack Traynor, Rochester
Played both fullback positions dominantly in1-0 win against Eagles
Colin Falvey, Charleston
Contained the attacking threat posed by Antigua well
SaschaGoerres, Richmond
Was industrious up and down field throughout Kickers’ draw in Dayton
Midfielders
Allan Russell, Los Angeles
Had a goal and assist as Blues took their first win of season
Nicki Paterson, Charleston
Pulled thestrings in midfield as Battery took 4-0 victory
Drew Cost, Rochester
Played key role in Rhinos’ goal, kept midfield tight throughout
Jack Avesyan, Wilmington
Had two goals in return to California against Blues on Sunday
Forwards
Gibson Bardsley, Dayton
Scored Dutch Lions’ first goal of the season in draw against Kickers
Andriy Budnyy,Wilmington
Pair of goals led Hammerheads to easy win against Antigua
Ian Fuller, Orlando
Had game-winning goal, assist off benchagainst Pittsburgh