USL News Release
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced Tuesday its USL First and Second Division Teams of the Week for the sixth week of the season, honoring Joey Gjertsen of Vancouver and Charlotte’s Clay Roberts as the USL First and Second Division Players of the Week, respectively.
While it was a tough week for the Whitecaps only earning two points in three matches, forward Joey Gjertsen moved to the top of the scorers table with a pair of strikes bringing his season total to five to surpass last year’s total of three.
Gjertsen helped lead the ‘Caps to a 2-2 draw against rival Seattle Friday in Vancouver with two go-ahead goals. The Whitecaps drew first blood in the 18th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The USL First Division's leading scorer pushed the ball up field about 15 yards, drifting to the top right corner of the box. On a low shot to the back post, Gjertsen's shot snuck by Sounders keeper David Mahoney.
Gjertsen's second goal of the match gave the Whitecaps a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute. Gjertsen earned his second goal of the match sneaking by a Sounders defender and drawing out Mahoney. A quick move toward the endline left Mahoney guessing and Gjertsen created an open net shot.
The Charlotte Eagles faced 2005 Championship match opponent the Western Mass Pioneers for the second match between the two teams this season. Clay Roberts put two in the back of the net to lead the Eagles in their 2-1 victory.
Charlotte dominated possession during the first half of play and the first goal of the match came for the Eagles in the 11th minute. Clay Roberts passed to Taurai Daka who played a nice through ball back to Roberts, splitting the defense. Roberts fired a shot on goal to take the 1-0 lead.
The Eagles took a two-goal lead six minutes later with another goal by Roberts. This time is was the long throw of Ben Johnson that set up the goal. Johnson's throw found Jacob Coggins who flicked it back with his head to Roberts. Roberts headed the ball into the top corner of the net.
