Portland Timbers Defender Alvas Powell Voted Alcatel MLS Player of the Week
NEW YORK
(Tuesday, April 17, 2018)
– Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell was voted the Alcatel Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for the seventh week of the 2018 MLS season.
In the Timbers home opener, Powell electrified the Providence Park crowd with a goal and an assist during Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Minnesota United FC. Through four starts this season, Powell has one goal and one assist, while his nine successful dribbles completed ranks in the top five among all MLS defenders. With its first victory of the season, Portland now sits tied for ninth in the Western Conference (five points, 1-3-2 record).
The Jamaica National Team member gave Portland fans something to cheer about early, taking the ball near midfield and using his speed to dribble through multiple defenders towards goal. Powell then unleashed a rocket from the right side of goal to beat goalkeeper Matt Lampson near post for a 1-0 Timbers advantage in the 20
th
minute (
Watch Goal
).
Moments later, Powell had another moment of brilliance, sending a perfectly placed cross from the right side of the field to set up Diego Valeri’s right-footed flick to give Portland a 2-0 lead in the 23
rd
minute (
Watch Assist
). The 23-year-old Powell would then help Portland preserve the 3-2 victory.
Portland returns to action on Sunday, April 22 to host New York City FC at Providence Park (6:00 p.m. ET, FS1 / TSN2).
The Alcatel MLS Player of the Week is chosen each week of the regular season by members of the North American Soccer Reporters. The organization includes print, television, radio and online journalists who cover domestic men's soccer in the United States and Canada. Learn more about the NASR and apply to join at
https://www.facebook.com/soccerreporters/
.
