Scorpions Midfielder Saavedra Wins North American Soccer League Player of the Week
Published on May 20, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release
MIAMI, Fla. (May 20, 2013) - Veteran Mexican midfielder Javier Saavedra has been named North American Soccer League Player of the Week after his goal and performance against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers earned the San Antonio Scorpions their first win of the 2013 season.
Saavedra delighted the Scorpions home fans at Toyota Field on Saturday night when he scored the games opening goal after only 73 seconds, following in on a blocked shot to set San Antonio on the path to a 3-1 victory.
The 39-year-old midfielder stamped his influence on the game and added an assist as Luka Vucko put San Antonio 2-0 ahead after 53 minutes.
"It really is an honor to e singled out among so many great players for this achievement, but it wouldn't be possible without the team," said Saavedra. "I owe this accomplishment to the way the team played on Saturday for the win."
Saavedra signed with the Scorpions in 2012 and played in 13 games last season, scoring one goal. He started his career in 1996 with Toros Neza and had three spells with Tigres while also playing for Morelia and Jaguares de Chiapas.
In 2009 he scored the game-winning goal that prevented Indios from being relegated to the Primera Division A and the following season helped Necaxa win promotion to Mexico's top division. Saavedra has won nine caps for the Mexican national team, scoring one goal.
"When a guy has gray hair, like me, and is pulling the team out of a hole with a performance like that, its just an outstanding performance," said Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson. "It shows what a great professional he is."
North American Soccer League Stories from May 20, 2013
- RailHawks Host Dynamo Tuesday May 21 - North Carolina FC
- Strikers to Take On Heat Tuesday May 21, 2013 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Javier Saavedra Named NASL Player of the Week - San Antonio Scorpions
- Scorpions Midfielder Saavedra Wins North American Soccer League Player of the Week - NASL
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