Week #14 NASL Players of the Week: Joe Warren & Ciaran O’Brien

BLAINE, Minn. (July 11, 2011)

Minnesota Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren named NASL Defensive Player of the Week for Week #14

Photo by Jeremy Olson - www.digitalgopher.net

After posting his fifth shutout of the season in Saturday night’s 1-0 win against the Carolina RailHawks, veteran goalkeeper Joe Warren was named the North American Soccer League’s Defensive Player of the Week Monday. Warren played a critical role as the Stars took down the league leaders at NSC Stadium to protect their unbeaten record at home in 2011.

“It’s an honor, but it’s really a team effort,” Warren said. “Since our break, I’ve been feeling sharp, I’ve been able to regroup, and the team is really stepping up and playing with a lot of enthusiasm in front of me.”

Warren made five saves as the Stars ended the first-place RailHawks’ 10-game winning streak, none more critical than a penalty kick save in the 66th minute. With the score tied 0-0, NASL leading scorer Etienne Barbara stepped up for a spot kick, but Warren dove to his right to deny the Carolina striker.

This is the second time this season Warren has received Player of the Week honors, earning the honor the first time after his performance in the Stars’ April 9 victory over the Atlanta Silverbacks to open the season. Overall, Stars players have earned Player of the Week awards four times this season, with Devin Del Do and Kyle Altman also honored.

ATLANTA (July 11, 2011)

Atlanta Silverbacks midfielder Ciaran O’Brien has been named the North American Soccer League’s Offensive Player of the Week

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Silverbacks and Mike Thompson

Ciaran O’Brien earned the honor after the Silverbacks’ 3-2 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium. O’Brien tallied the Silverbacks’ second goal of the game, playing a key role in handing the Strikers their first home loss since the season opener.

The goal on Saturday night was the third of the season for the 23-year-old midfielder, and it came on a free kick nearly 25 yards from goal. O’Brien sent a bending effort over the Strikers’ wall and past goalkeeper Matt Glaeser to give the Silverbacks their first lead of the game.

Saturday night’s performance in Fort Lauderdale capped off a successful individual week for O’Brien. In the Silverbacks’ match against the Puerto Rico Islanders on July 4, he recorded a pair of goals and an assist, bringing his week-long total to three goals and an assist. O’Brien missed four complete games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, and his return to full strength has contributed significantly to the Silverbacks’ offensive progress. He is currently the team leader in assists (3) and second on the team in goals (3), behind forward Matt Horth (4).