Portland Timbers Midfielder Diego Valeri Voted MLS Player of the Week
Published on July 19, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK - Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for the 19th week of the 2016 MLS season.
After leading the Timbers to its first MLS Cup title last year, Valeri has continued to dazzle in his fourth season in MLS. In one of the biggest rivalry games of the year on Sunday, the Argentine recorded a brace to lead Portland to a 3-1 victory over storied rival Seattle Sounders FC at Providence Park. The midfield maestro has totaled nine goals and five assists this season, tied for the second highest combined total in the league. Portland currently sits sixth in the Western Conference standings (29 points, 7-6-8), and is riding a nine-game unbeaten streak.
In his first game back after missing three matches due to injury, Valeri quickly reasserted his eminence for the Timbers with a goal just before the half to give Portland a 1-0 lead. After playing a give-and-go with teammate Lucas Melano, Valeri squared up to take a shot from outside the box, which he clinically finished to the bottom corner (Watch Goal).
The 2015 MLS Cup MVP completed his brace early in the second half with a stunning effort, as Valeri found himself at a difficult angle near the end line, only to send an astonishing shot off far post and into the back of the net to give Portland a 2-0 advantage in the 50th minute (Watch Goal). The goal is one of eight nominated for AT&T MLS Goal of the Week.
Portland next hosts LA Galaxy at Providence Park on Saturday, July 23 (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN Deportes).
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- Portland Timbers Midfielder Diego Valeri Voted MLS Player of the Week - MLS
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