Joao Johanning Mora Named NPSL Player of the Week
Joao Johanning Mora of the Atlanta Silverbacks has been named NPSL Mitre Player of the week after leading his side with a hat-trick over FC Carolina United in Week 13. The winner of this national honor is determined by a vote of media members from across the country. It is awarded every week during the regular season.
NPSL Soccer News: Atlanta Silverbacks forward Joao Johanning Mora has received Mitre National Player of the Week honors for Week 13 of the 2017 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season.
“Like I said, it’s been about the team mentality,” said Johanning Mora. “I came to play for my teammates on Saturday and we got the win, most importantly. An award like this wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, coaches, and our fans.”
The striker recorded a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over FC Carolina United.
“All I can say is that Joao was on fire from the start on Saturday,” said Atlanta Silverbacks head coach/general manager Phoday Dolleh. “He was mentally prepared to play and his teammates made it easy for him. Joao is unstoppable when he comes to play.”
Johanning Mora was born on the west coast of Africa in Guinea-Bissua but grew up in Costa Rica. He began his professional career in Costa Rica, playing for five clubs from 2009 to 2012. After a brief hiatus from the game, he signed with the Silverbacks Reserves.
For the last two years in the NPSL, Johanning Mora has been the focal point of the Atlanta offense.
In 2016, he led the team in scoring with ten goals and was voted Silverbacks Player of the Year.
This year, he leads the ‘Backs with four goals at the halfway mark of the season. Showing his commitment to the club and the city of Atlanta, Johanning Mora turned down a USL offer to remain with the Silverbacks for 2017.
Photo Credit: Dave Williamson Photography
