Washington, D.C. - Major League Soccer announced today veteran midfielder Ben Olsen has been named MLS Player of the Week following his three-goal performance against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday. Olsen notched his first career hat trick in the 4-2 victory, giving him four goals on the season.
"Benny's performance was the end result of a great team effort on Sunday afternoon," said United Head Coach Tom Soehn. "As much as his quality finishes, Ben again led the team with his effort and desire. I was happy to see the work ethic, that he has shown all season long, rewarded this weekend."</p>
Olsen scored his first goal on a diving header off a Josh Gros cross in the 15th minute. His second and third goals came in the second half at the 72nd and 84th minute marks, sealing the win for the home side. For his second tally, Olsen collected a pass from Brian Carroll, sidestepped one defender before tucking the ball past goalkeeper Ronald Watterus. His final goal came on a brilliant volley from 25 yards out off of a lofted feed from Jaime Moreno.</p>
Ben Olsen has been with D.C. United since 1998, when he won the MLS Rookie of the Year award. The 30-year-old's 42 career assists and 185 games played rank third all-time for the team, and he is second all-time in game winning goals (12). A member of two MLS Cup Champion teams (1999 and 2004), Olsen has been named to the MLS All-Star team twice, in 1998 and 1999. Olsen previously won the Player of the Week award for this Week 4 performance during the 2000 season.
