USL Names A-League Team of the Week
Published on September 3, 2002 under A-League (A-League) News Release
TAMPA, FL â United Soccer Leagues announced the final edition of the A-League Team of the Week and Player of the Week honors today, honoring players for their performances in Week 20. Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Thiago Martins was named the Player of the Week.
The midseason acquisition from the Minnesota Thunder posted the third four-goal game of the year in the A-League in the club's season final, a 7-0 drubbing of the visiting Cincinnati Riverhawks Sunday. Atlanta's Iggy Moleka and Portland's McKinley Tennyson are the other two players to accomplish the feat this season. Charleston's Ryan Trout was the only other player this season to record a hat-trick.
In the third minute of the game, Martins collected a pass from teammate Derek Potteiger and slipped it past Cincinnati goalkeeper Chris Wanamaker. Four minutes later, Martins took a pass from David Flavius and headed the ball into the back door of the goal. Gary DePalma's pass to Martins in the 14th minute gave the Riverhounds their first hat-trick performance of the season. Finally, in the 42nd minute, Martins picked up a deflected shot by Flavius and tapped the ball into the net.
Martins' hat-trick continues a streak of four seasons with a Riverhounds player notching a hat-trick. Forward Phil Karn has three three-goal games and Flavius has one.
Martins, who has yet to sign with the Riverhounds for the 2003 season, broke both franchise records for most goals scored in a single game and most points tallied in a game. Karn and Flavius were previously tied for the most goals in a game, and Flavius previously held the record for most points in a game.
A-League Team of the Week
Pos. Player Team Highlights
G Richard Goddard Charlotte Six saves in 3-1 win at Rochester D
Mark Watson Charleston Solid in pair of shutout wins
D Jeremy Aldrich Milwaukee Outstanding in 2-1 win over Seattle
D Adam Eyre Minnesota Solid in 1-0 win over Milwaukee
M Leo Gajardo Charlotte Two assists in 3-1 win at Rochester
M Jeff Clarke Vancouver Two goals in 3-1 win over Portland
M Rodrigo Costa Indiana Goal, assist in 2-0 win over Calgary
M Nathan Watkins Charlotte Goal, assist in 3-1 win at Rochester
F John Wolyniec Milwaukee Four goals, two assists in pair of wins
F Thiago Martins Pittsburgh Four goals in 7-0 win over Cincinnati
F Fadi Afash Portland Two goals, assist in 3-0 win over Montreal
A-League Stories from September 3, 2002
- A-League Playoff broadcast schedule announced - A-League
- USL Names A-League Team of the Week - A-League
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