PDL News Release
Thursday, May 16, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced today its Team of the Week for the second week of the season, with Reading United forward Mario Pinto Neto being honored as the Player of the Week. Pinto Neto recorded a hat trick in United’s season-opening 8-0 victory against the Westchester Flames to claim the weekly honor.
In pursuit of its sixth consecutive playoff berth, Reading got its season off to a flying start on Saturday night. Pinto Neto scored the club’s first goal of the season, heading home from inside the penalty area, and he added a second in the 59th minute, finishing an opportunity created by Larry Ndjock. The young Brazilian completed his hat trick seven minutes later, firing home a first-time finish from a corner.
Joining Pinto Neto in the Team of the Week attack were Austin’s Tucker Hume, who scored the game-winning goal while playing a key role in the Aztex’s 2-1 victory against Oklahoma City FC. Ventura County’s Chase Minter was also selected after he scored a pair of second-half goals, including the game-winner, in the Fusion’s 3-1 win against the BYU Cougars.
F.A. Euro – New York Magic goalkeeper Alex Naples was named to the team after earning his side a point with a 13-save shutout in a 0-0 draw against the NJ LUSO Rangers on Sunday afternoon. He is joined in defense by CFC Azul’s Jonny Raj, who played a key role in his club’s 3-0 win against the Real Boston Rams, and Fresno’s Jorge Gutierrez, whose leadership was key as the Fuego earned a point against BYU.
GPS Portland’s Gilbert Mainer earned his selection after scoring the game-winning goal for the Phoenix against Vermont, while Houston’s Walter Krombholtz had a standout performance as the Dutch Lions earned a draw with defending division champion Laredo.
Carolina midfielder Brandt Bronico led the midfield selections, with the 17-year-old scoring the opening goal of the season for the Dynamo in their 3-0 win against Virginia Beach. He was joined by Vancouver’s Cam Hundal, who played a key role in the Whitecaps U-23’s win against Kitsap, and Laredo’s Alejandro de la Garza, whose stoppage-time goal earned his side a point against Houston.
PDL Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
| GK | Alex Naples | F.A. Euro | Recorded 13-save shutout against NJ LUSO Rangers |
| D | Jonny Raj | CFC Azul | Played key role in 3-0 win against Real Boston |
| D | Jorge Gutierrez | Fresno | Led defense in shutout against BYU |
| D | Gilbert Manier | GPS Portland | Scored game-winning goal against Vermont |
| D | Walter Krombholtz | Houston | Held defense’s shape, and was dangerous from set pieces |
| M | Cam Hundal | Vancouver | Played a pivotal role in Whitecaps’ win against Kitsap |
| M | Brandt Bronico | Carolina | 17-year-old had a goal in impressive debut for Dynamo |
| M | Alejandro de la Garza | Laredo | Scored stoppage-time equalizer against Houston |
| F | Mario Pinto Neto | Reading | Had a hat trick as United defeated Westchester |
| F | Tucker Hume | Austin | Scored game-winning goal as Aztex rallied to victory |
| F | Chase Minter | Ventura County | Pair of goals led Fusion to victory against BYU |
Honorable Mention – Austin: Tony Rocha; Carolina: Hakan Ilhan, Sebastian Ibeagha; CFC Azul: Mario DiMiceli; El Paso: George Lara, Franciso De Anda; F.A. Euro: Alex Billington, Adam Maabdi; Fresno: Abraham Campos; GPS Portland: Neil Harries, Richardo Isreal; Houston: Jaimy Sharp; Kitsap: Dustyn Brim; LA Misioneros: Leonid Sharf; Laredo: Emmanuel Frias; OC Blues: Christopher Santana; Oklahoma City: Adam Black; Reading: Manolo Sanchez, Ben Sweat; Southern California: Alex Anderson; SW Florida: Lewis Hilton, Damian Vincent; Tucson: Aaron Long, Greg Carter; Vancouver: Derrick Bassi; Ventura County: Patrick Otte, Francisco Lopez; West Texas: Andres Maldonado.