USL News Release
Monday, May 22, 2006
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced Monday its USL First and Second Division Teams of the Week for the fifth week of the season, honoring Matthew Delicate of Rochester and Wilmington’s Anthony Maher as the USL First and Second Division Players of the Week, respectively.
Delicate piloted the undefeated Rhinos to a pair of road wins in week five action. His first goal put the Rhinos up 1-0 in a game they eventually won 2-1 win at Seattle. Delicate’s second edged the Timbers in the 63rd minute of a 1-0 dogfight in Portland.
On Wednesday Delicate hammered a loose ball into the back of the Sounder net to draw even with the 2005 First Division Champions. The goal allowed teammate Greg Howes to finish off Seattle in stoppage time. Just two days later Delicate finished off a great feed from Aaran Lines with a sliding, feet first goal, to net his third goal in as many games.
Delicate is now tied with John Ball for the Rhinos’ team lead in goals this season with three. The goal turned out to be the game-winner as goalkeeper Scott Vallow and the Rhinos kept the Timbers out of the net for the remainder of the match. Vallow now has four shutouts in five games.
In USL Second Division action, Wilmington’s Maher supplied the Hammerheads with the offensive punch needed to draw even with the 2005 USL-2 Champions in his 26 minutes of action.
Maher’s two-goal outburst came from the Wilmington bench as Head Coach David Irving made a midfielder to forward switch in the 64th minute. Maher eventually replaced Kenny Bundy, who recorded the first goal of the game that put Wilmington up 1-0 in the 19th minute. Charlotte flooded the Wilmington goal throughout the central part of the match getting two goals from Ross Sepencer and a third from Dustin Swinehart.
Maher took some time to get acquainted with the Charlotte backs before pasting the Eagles net in heroic fashion. His first goal beat the clock to the finish line in the 88th minute. Thabiso Khumalo played a ball through the Charlotte defense onto the run of Maher. Maher, on the breakaway, chipped the ball over advancing goalkeeper Chris McClellan for the goal.
Maher’s second dazzled the home side fans with rapid succession. His second goal and game equalizer came in the form of a header. Chris Bagley was credited with an assist via throw-in.
