Brian Sylvestre Named NASL Player of the Week
North Carolina FC’s Brian Sylvestre has bee named NASL Player of the Week after recording his 17th save of the year versus Miami FC. The former U.S. youth international is tied atop the leaderboard for most saves in 2017 as NCFC heads on the road for its next matchup.
NASL Soccer News: North Carolina FC goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre has received North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week honors after recording eight saves in the club’s 1-1 draw at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper was tested throughout the game, coming up with a number of difficult saves to halt Miami FC’s attack. In the 29th minute, Italian forward Enzo Rennella came close to giving Miami the lead, but Sylvestre was able to dive to his left and keep the game scoreless.
North Carolina carried the lead deep into second-half stoppage time, but a late goal from Miami defender Robert Baggio Kcira salvaged a point for the visitors. Despite the equalizer, Sylvestre put forth one of the top goalkeeping performances of the season thus far.
The 6-foot-5 goalkeeper is now tied with the New York Cosmos’ Jimmy Maurer for the league leader in saves with 17. Sylvestre’s eight saves on Saturday were also good for a tie with Maurer for the most saves in a single match this season.
A former U.S. youth international, Sylvestre joined North Carolina in 2015. After spending the majority of his first season on loan with the Philadelphia Union, he was eventually given the starting role by North Carolina head coach Colin Clarke in 2016. Since then, Sylvestre has made 84 saves in 23 starts for the club.
With four points in its last two encounters, North Carolina will carry momentum into its next match – a road affair against Puerto Rico FC on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium.
