Jaime Chavez of Miami FC Named NASL Player of the Week
Jaime Chavez of Miami FC is named NASL Player of the Week after tallying a brace in a 3-3 draw versus the Carolina RailHawks. The Los Angeles native brings his tally to three goals in the last two games as Miami returns home for Saturday’s home match against first-place Indy Eleven.
NASL Soccer News: Miami FC forward Jaime Chavez has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after scoring twice in his club’s 3-3 draw with the Carolina RailHawks on Friday night.
The 29-year-old forward didn’t waste any time opening the scoring at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., cleverly flicking a shot over the outstretched arms of RailHawks goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre in the 7th minute. Later, with his side down a goal in the 80th minute, Chavez volleyed home a cross from teammate Dario Cvitanich to level the score at 3-3.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be named Player of the Week, but it was definitely a team effort on Friday night,” Chavez said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, who continue to push me every day. I plan to keep going out there and do the best I can to improve each week.”
Chavez is heating up at a time when Miami FC needs him most. Alessandro Nesta’s side, which has looked much improved in the past several weeks, features a bolstered midfield that is providing more scoring opportunities for players like Chavez. The Los Angeles native has responded well, scoring three goals in his last two games, including the game-winner in stoppage time in a 1-0 win over Jacksonville on July 16.
The veteran forward’s latest goals may have been just as crucial, as they provided Miami with a confidence-building draw on the road against a Carolina team that appears to be hitting its Fall Season stride. Miami FC found itself down, 3-2, following a goal from RailHawks debutant Omar Bravo, but Chavez came through in the clutch to stick one in the net for a share of the points.
“I’m very happy for Jaime,” Nesta said. “This is a good moment for him, and a moment that he deserves for all of his hard work. As he continues to get better, our entire team does as well. I’m proud of our progress.”
Miami FC signed Chavez prior to the start of the 2016 season. The 6-foot-1 forward is a familiar NASL face having spent two full seasons in Atlanta, where he scored over 20 goals in all competitions.
Chavez and his teammates return home to Miami this week to prepare for Saturday’s home clash against first-place Indy Eleven. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, and will air live on beIN SPORTS USA.
Source/Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
