Major League Soccer announced today forward Luciano Emilio has been named MLS Player of the Week following his two-goal performance on Sunday. United's first-year forward helped United to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the first place New England Revolution. Emilio previously won MLS Player of the Week honors in week 11 when he scored two goals against the Chicago Fire on June 16.
Emilio collected a goal in each half against the Revolution. In the 31st minute Emilio found space behind the New England defense and was lead by a superb through ball by fellow forward Guy Roland-Kpene. Emilio calmly slipped the ball into the near corner, despite the efforts of a diving Matt Reis. In the 76th minute, Emilio was fouled by Wells Thompson, but quickly sprang to his feet and played a quick free kick to Ben Olsen. Olsen then returned the pass back to a streaking Brazilian, catching the New England defense flat-footed. Emilio, once again, brought the ball toward a defenseless Reis and easily tucked it past the goalkeeper. Emilio's two goals give him a total of 12 on the year, and puts him in a tie for the league lead with Kansas City forward Eddie Johnson.
Emilio was signed as a Senior International player on Jan. 16, 2007, from Honduran side Club Deportivo Olimpia. Emilio led CD Olimpia to league championships in 2005 and 2006, and scored eight goals in the UNCAF tournament to help earn CD Olimpia a berth in the 2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup. He would eventually play against his former club as a member of United in the 2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Emilio scored four goals in four Champions Cup games. He scored three in the opening round win over CD Olimpia and struck for another in the club's 1-1 draw with CD Guadalajara - a series United eventually lost 3-2.
