Week #22 NASL Players of the Week: Gerson Mayén & Evan Bush

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (SEPTEMBER 6, 2011) 

The NASL named Fort Lauderdale Strikers midfielder Gerson Mayén Offensive Player of the Week for week #22.

Mayén scored the game-winning goal in the Strikers 1-0 win against the Montreal Impact on Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium.

“I’m very happy to have been named Player of the Week,” said Mayén. “I’m happy for the club as well. If it wasn’t for my teammates that goal wouldn’t have happened. I’m also very thankful for the opportunity I’ve had here with the Strikers.”

Mayén played strongly on offense as well as defense, holding the ball in midfield, making strong passes, and setting up teammates for opportunities. The goal was the first for Mayén as a professional. He is on loan to the Strikers from his MLS club Chivas USA. Mayén is the second Strikers player to be named Offensive Player of the Week after Brian Shriver received the honor earlier in the season.

“Gerson was very good on the night,” said head coach Daryl Shore. “When you have a player on loan from MLS and you’re playing a team going to the MLS there’s added motivation. Gerson is a good all around soccer player who understands the game and reads it well. He’s brought another level of professionalism to this team.”

“I don’t know that many people know this, but he wanted to come back to us on loan,” said Shore. “He went to Chivas USA and asked them to come here. When a player does that I think it’s special and you want those kinds of players on your team because that brings an added professionalism and an added desire for players to want to be on your team.”

Montreal – (SEPTEMBER 6, 2011)

Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush was named Defensive Player of the Week, following the 22nd week of activity in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Bush distinguished himself Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, in a 1-0 loss against the Strikers, at Lockhart Stadium. Bush, who has registered six shutouts this season, made seven saves during the game against the Strikers, including three saves against midfielder Brian Shriver in the first half.

“I am very happy for him. Since he became our starting goalkeeper, Evan has excelled and has been consistent,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. “He has made key saves and has kept the team in the game. Evan has taken full advantage of the opportunity offered to him. He has the desire to become better day after day in training and it is to his credit.”

This is Bush’s second Defensive Player of the Week honor this season.