Hunter Gilstrap Named USL First Division Player of the Week
Published on May 12, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Cleveland, OH - Goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap was named Week Five USL First Division Player of the Week after his 11 save performance Saturday night in a 0-0 draw with the Portland Timbers.
The City Stars rode Gilstrap's brilliant performance to their first point of the season, bringing the overall record to 0-3-1. It marks the second Player of the Week award in Gilstrap's career as he was named the USL Second Division Player of the Week on August 7th 2007.
Gilstrap's performance became more impressive down the stretch as the third-year City Stars keeper registered eight saves in the second half including two marvelous saves in the final minutes that preserved the clean sheet.
Gilstrap served as the captain during Saturday's match due to an injury to normal captain Godfrey Tenoff and led a lineup that was missing six starters.
"Being named player of the week is pretty cool because it doesn't happen for goalkeepers too often," said Gilstrap. "This is my second time now so I feel lucky. Earning a point on Saturday was huge for us. I felt we were able to fix a lot of our defensive problems from the first three matches and I'm just glad I was able to contribute."
Joining Gilstrap on the USL-1 Team of the Week is John Michael Hayden. The Midfielder is on loan from the Houston Dynamo of MLS and appeared in his first match with the City Stars a day after arriving in Cleveland.
Hayden created an opportunity in the first half that resulted in a shot on goal and was a force in the midfield throughout the match. "This recognition is good for our guys," said City Stars Executive Director Aaron Treday. "John Michael came right in and did a good job for us on such short notice and Hunter was just outstanding. This is a well deserved honor and it was a no-brainer after Hunter's performance Saturday night."
USL First Division Stories from May 12, 2009
- Montreal Chosen to Host the Champions Trophy - Montreal Impact
- Timbers Host Rochester Thursday At PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- Hunter Gilstrap Named USL First Division Player of the Week - Cleveland City Stars
- Impact Plays First Game To Defend Its Title Wednesday In Toronto - Montreal Impact
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