Atlanta Silverbacks Forward Pedro Mendes Named NASL Player of the Week
Published on August 10, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release
NEW YORK (August 10, 2015) - The Atlanta Silverbacks are unbeaten in their last four matches, and a big reason why is the play of Pedro Mendes. With three goals in Atlanta's last two matches, the Brazilian forward was named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week on Monday.
Mendes scored twice in the club's 2-1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Wednesday night, and then added another goal over the weekend, opening the scoring in a 3-3 draw against the San Antonio Scorpions.
"I've been working hard, and all of our guys have been working at such an elite level in training and in matches," Mendes said. "The goals that have been scored are not because of just one person -- the build up that creates the goal comes from all 11 guys on the field."
The 25-year-old forward struck in the 41st and 66th minutes against Fort Lauderdale, a team that he seemingly loves playing against. He has scored seven goals in 10 career appearances against the Strikers. On Saturday, Mendes was at it again - finding the net in the 23rd minute of a wild draw against the visiting Scorpions.
"So many adjectives come to mind when thinking about Pedro," said Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith. "He's been exceptional when it comes to getting himself prepared -- both physically and mentally. With five goals in six games, Pedro's chemistry with the other lads, his work ethic, and his sheer quality are on full display right now."
Now in his second stint with the Silverbacks, Mendes has been on fire since signing with the club on July 8. The Goiania, Brazil, native has tallied five goals and two assists in seven Fall Season appearances, helping the Silverbacks compile 14 points in the process. The club now sits in second place in the Fall Season Standings and continues to climb the Combined Standings, where they sit in sixth place after being at the bottom just a few weeks ago.
Mendes, among others, was brought in just days after the start of the Fall Season to bolster the roster of an Atlanta club that struggled mightily during the second half of the Spring Season. He previously played for the Silverbacks in 2012 and 2013, scoring 12 league goals and helping the club reach the league's championship game in 2013. Following his first stint with Atlanta, he spent time with fellow NASL sides Indy Eleven and Minnesota United FC.
On the heels of two home matches, the Silverbacks head out on the road, visiting league newcomers Jacksonville Armada FC for the first time ever. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and the match can be seen live on ESPN3.
North American Soccer League Stories from August 10, 2015
- Atlanta Silverbacks Forward Pedro Mendes Named NASL Player of the Week - NASL
- NASL Awards Pedro Mendes Weekly Honor - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Cosmos Sign U.S. U-17 International Alexis Velela - New York Cosmos
- Armada FC Acquire Midfielder Ethan Sonis on Loan from German 2 Bundesliga Club SC Freiburg - Jacksonville Armada FC
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