MLS Red Bull New York

MetroStars Defender Craig Ziadie Named MLS Player of the Week

Published on May 6, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (Tuesday, May 6, 2003) - MetroStars defender Craig Ziadie was named MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association for the week ending May 4, 2003. The Jamaican international, in his third MLS season, captured his first-ever weekly honor after leading the MetroStars' comeback on Saturday with his first career goal and an assist in a 2-1 home victory over the Colorado Rapids at Giants Stadium.

The 24-year-old started at left back for the MetroStars and then moved to right back when Chris Leitch went down with an injury. From his natural position he then led the charge as the Metros overcame a one-goal deficit after the break. In a matter of 12 minutes in the second half Ziadie assisted on Clint Mathis' 51st minute goal and then gave the Metros the lead for good on a spectacular solo effort in the 62nd minute. The University of Richmond product collected the ball on the right flank, converged toward the center of the field, dribbled his way to the top of the box and unleashed an accurate left-footed shot, which beat goalkeeper Scott Vallow.

Ziadie appeared in 39 MLS matches entering the 2003 season, including a career high 21 in 2002. The dual citizen and native of Pembroke Pines, Florida was made the 28th overall selection by D.C. United in the 2001 SuperDraft. Following 18 appearances in his rookie season, Ziadie was traded to the MetroStars on May 9, 2002. Last week's Player of the Week, the Chicago Fire's Orlando Perez, was one of the players who moved to D.C. United in the exchange.

The 18th MetroStars player to capture Player of the Week honors in League history, Ziadie now leads the club in scoring with the three points he registered against Colorado.

Ziadie was selected for this week's award ahead of Dallas Burn goalkeeper D.J. Countess and Columbus Crew forward Jeff Cunningham. The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected every week throughout the MLS season by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA).

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