Riverside Coras goalkeeper Alonso Lara has been selected as the second Mitre National Player of the Week for the 2017 NPSL season.
“I am very fortunate to be given the Mire National Player of the Week award,” Lara commented. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and my goalkeeper coach. I would like to give a huge thank you to the NPSL for this recognition.”
Lara finished with four dramatic saves in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albion SC PROS, giving the veteran his second consecutive clean sheet.
“We are honored to have Alonso Lara as our starting keeper,” Riverside Coras President Rob Lopez added. “He is a wonderful person with great leadership skills, someone who can command and organize his defensive line. I am pleased to have met Lara, who I now consider part of my extended family.”
While in high school, Lara participated in Sueño MLS Chivas USA in 2008 and was the last goalkeeper remaining. He would sign with Celaya FC, a club that played in the Mexican Second and Third Division, after high school. At 21, he returned to the U.S. to be with his mother and two younger brothers. Two years later, he came out of retirement to join Deportivo Coras USA for the 2015 NPSL season.
In 2015, Lara played in 12 games and conceded only 11 goals. His GAA would be the lowest in the West Region.
In 2016, Lara had similar success as he allowed 17 goals in 12 matches. This GAA was the second lowest in the West Region. He would also be chosen to represent the West Region in the 2017 NPSL Showcase in Carson, California.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper has had a strong start to the 2017 campaign, earning consecutive shutouts in the first two matches.
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.
