CARSON, CA – Los Angeles Galaxy forward Jovan Kirovski was named the Honda MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA) for the week ending May 30, 2004 (Week 9). The U.S. National Team player claims his second Player of the Week honor (Week 6), the League-leading fourth time a Galaxy player has been recognized in 2004.
"The midfielders did a good job of knocking the balls to the forwards, the forwards doing a good job holding," Kirovski said after the game. "It allowed us to make runs and get the ball back. This really opened up the game for us."
On Saturday night the 28-year old recorded his second multi-goal game in a 4-1 victory against the Dallas Burn this season, his first in MLS. Kirovski scored the first of his two goals in the 72nd minute. Marcelo Saragosa delivered a cross from the right side that Kirovski headed toward goal. Dallas defender Steve Jolley attempted to clear the ball off the goal line but the ball still dribbled over the line. The second Kirovski goal came from the penalty spot in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, rounding out the scoring after second-half substitute Joseph Ngwenya was taken down in the box.
"Jovan's performance against the Burn was typical of the offensive spark he has been able to provide for us this season," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "His ability to find the net makes us very dangerous in attack."
On Saturday, May 8 Kirovski also scored two goals against the Burn in a 3-1road victory at the Cotton Bowl. With his two goals last weekend the California native now ranks third among MLS scoring leaders with five goals and one assist in eight matches. The forward signed with the Galaxy on February 6, joining the club after spending two seasons with Birmingham City of the English Premier League.
"Jovan is really beginning to come into his own as he further understands the League and our team," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "He has played very well and has responded with some great goals for us at crucial times; he is very deserving of the honor."
Kirovski becomes the third Galaxy forward to win the award, joining Carlos Ruiz (Week 4) and Alejandro Moreno (Week 8). He was selected ahead of D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins, Columbus Crew defender Chad Marshall, and Chicago Fire keeper Henry Ring in the closest voting of the season. The Honda Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected every week throughout the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA).
2004 PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS:
Week 1: Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)
Week 2: Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 3: Fabian Taylor (MetroStars)
Week 4: Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 5: Henry Ring (Chicago Fire)
Week 6: Jovan Kirovski (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 7: Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 8: Alejandro Moreno (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 9: Jovan Kirovski (Los Angeles Galaxy)
