Silverbacks’ Mendes Earns Player of the Week Honors for the Third Time
Soccer News: The Atlanta Silverbacks are unbeaten in their last four matches, and a big reason why is the play of Pedro Mendes. Since joining the Atlanta Silverbacks (5-7-6, 22 points Combined Table) in between the Spring and Fall Seasons, striker Pedro Mendes has been the catalyst in Atlanta’s turnaround. His production in Week 6 of the Fall season — including three goals and an assist as Atlanta downed the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and drew the San Antonio Scorpions — earned Pedro the North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
The league-wide honor is the third of Pedro’s career. He received the recognition twice during his first stint in the Silverbacks strip during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
“It’s always good to be recognized for your work,” Pedro said “It means that your peers, fans and the league are noticing what you’re producing. I’ve received Player of the Week awards before, but it never gets old. It’s definitely special this time, because of the team and coaches and the challenges we are all facing after the Spring Season. We must be doing something right.”
Mendes scored twice in the club’s 2-1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Wednesday night, and then added another goal over the weekend, opening the scoring in a 3-3 draw against the San Antonio Scorpions.
“I’ve been working hard, and all of our guys have been working at such an elite level in training and in matches,” Mendes said. “The goals that have been scored are not because of just one person — the build up that creates the goal comes from all 11 guys on the field.”
The 25-year-old forward struck in the 41st and 66th minutes against Fort Lauderdale, a team that he seemingly loves playing against. He has scored seven goals in 10 career appearances against the Strikers. On Saturday, Mendes was at it again – finding the net in the 23rd minute of a wild draw against the visiting Scorpions.
“So many adjectives come to mind when thinking about Pedro,” said Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith. “He’s been exceptional when it comes to getting himself prepared — both physically and mentally. With five goals in six games, Pedro’s chemistry with the other lads, his work ethic, and his sheer quality are on full display right now.”
Mendes previously played for the Silverbacks in 2012 and 2013, scoring 12 league goals and helping the club reach the league’s championship game in 2013. Following his first stint with Atlanta, he spent time with fellow NASL sides Indy Eleven and Minnesota United FC. Now in his second stint with the Silverbacks, Mendes has been on fire since signing with the club on July 8.
The Goiania, Brazil, native has tallied five goals and two assists in seven Fall Season appearances, helping the Silverbacks compile 14 points in the process. The club now sits in second place in the Fall Season Standings, just a few points behind Ottawa Fury FC, and continues to climb the Combined Standings, where they sit in sixth place after being at the bottom just a few weeks ago.
On the heels of two home matches, the Silverbacks head out on the road, visiting league newcomers Jacksonville Armada FC for the first time ever.
