Silverbacks Defender Ruthven Named NASL Defensive Player of the Week

Published on July 25, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA (July 25, 2011) - Atlanta Silverbacks defender TYLER RUTHVEN has been named the North American Soccer League's Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced today.

Ruthven was a key contributor to the Silverbacks' strong defensive performance in the team's 2-1 victory over surging FC Tampa Bay Saturday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The visitors came in riding a four-game unbeaten streak, with eight goals scored during that stretch. Ruthven and the Silverbacks held FC Tampa Bay to just one goal and shut down the league's second leading scorer, forward Mike Ambersley.

Ruthven made a crucial play down the stretch in Saturday's game. With less than 10 minutes remaining in the match, FC Tampa Bay midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake dodged a dive from Silverbacks goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and sent a shot towards an open net; Ruthven came to the rescue, safely heading away what would have been a late game-tying goal.

Earlier in the game, the Alpharetta, Ga., native also contributed on offense, recording an assist off a throw in deep in Tampa Bay territory. Midfielder Ciaran O'Brien connected with the long throw, making a diving header to score.

Ruthven, whose father, Dick, pitched for the Atlanta Braves and won the 1980 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies, has been a staple in the Silverbacks' back line and is the only player on the team to start every game this season.

Ruthven's league honors mark the third straight week in which a Silverbacks player was selected as an NASL Player of the Week. It is the first time the Silverbacks have had a defensive player recognized by the league.

The Silverbacks will look to extend their three-game unbeaten streak when they visit the first-place Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. on Saturday, July 30. The team returns home to Atlanta Silverbacks Park to take on FC Tampa Bay August 6.

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