Hunter Gilstrap Named To Week 14 USL-1 Team of the Week; Max Cream Released
Published on July 14, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland City Stars goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap was named to the Week 14 USL First Division Team of the Week after his brilliant performance against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Sunday. Gilstrap had three saves in the shutout to earn a point for Cleveland in the 0-0 draw with the first place Islanders.
The game was a back and forth, forcing Gilstrap to constantly be on his toes. In the 71st minute he was forced to make a beautiful diving punch to keep the ball out of the City Stars net and the score tied at 0-0. The 83rd minute brought more action for Gilstrap as the Islanders attack picked up speed. After Puerto Rico midfielder Sandy Gbandi beat his defender, Gilstrap stopped the powerful shot while sliding onto his knees.
It was in the three minutes of extra time that Gilstrap truly earned his spot on the Team of the Week. After a dangerous cross that ricocheted off of the crossbar, the Islanders had the last chance of the match. Sean Fraser received a ball just outside of the six-yard box but his uncontested header went right into the awaiting arms of Gilstrap as the Cleveland keeper successfully preserved the 0-0 draw.
"We are really pleased with Hunter's composure," said head coach Rod Underwood. "He held off a very impressive, top-ranked offensive line and forced them to make quick decisions. Hunter's performance was phenomenal and we're glad he remained so focused throughout the match. We're confident that he can lead the team to more shutouts as we try to improve our position in the standings."
It is the second appearance on the Team of the Week this season for Gilstrap as the four-year USL veteran was named Player of the Week in Week Five for his seven save shutout against Portland.
The City Stars also announced the release of Forward Max Cream. With the international clearance window beginning tomorrow, Cream will pursue other options for playing time in Europe. The 21-year old Cream played the previous four seasons in Europe before appearing in two matches this season with Cleveland.
USL First Division Stories from July 14, 2009
- Midfielder Nets Honor Following Game-Winning Goal in Austin - Portland Timbers
- Ricardo Sanchez Honored as USL First Division Player of the Week - USL-1
- Rhinos Home for Two This Week - Rochester Rhinos
- Pub Night! - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Hunter Gilstrap Named To Week 14 USL-1 Team of the Week; Max Cream Released - Cleveland City Stars
- Salles departs Rochester - USL-1
- Bundu, Norkus named to Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
- Sanchez, Watson named Players of the Week - USL-1
- Impact Faces The Rhinos In Rochester Wednesday - Montreal Impact
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