Albion SC Pros midfielder Matt Clare has been selected as the fifth Mitre National Player of the Week for the 2016 NPSL season.
Clare tallied two goals and five shots, helping to claim a 3-1 road win over FC Hasental on Saturday. He scored his second (a penalty kick) when Albion was down to ten men. Clare has registered a total of four goals and two assists so far this season.
“Matt has been fantastic since joining Albion Pros,” Albion SC Pros head coach Ziggy Korytoski commented. “He has stepped up to lead the team’s attack and has created special moments in games that have given us positive results. I look forward to many more special moments over the course of the season.”
Clare began his professional career with FC Tampa Bay/Tampa Bay Rowdies, spending two seasons with the NASL side in 2011 and 2012. He would go on to stardom in the indoor game, playing for the Norfolk SharX, Syracuse Silver Knights, Wichita Wings, Wichita B-52s, and the San Diego Sockers.
He would return to the outdoor game in 2015, signing with FC Wichita of the NPSL. He had an outstanding season as he collected Mitre National Player of the Week, All-NPSL First Team, and NPSL Supporters’ XI honors.
“Overall I think I played well and it was a good team performance on the night,” Clare added. “I was fortunate to step on the field that day and have a very good game and secure three points for our team, but all the credit really goes to our team as a whole. I’d like to share this moment with my teammates and everyone involved in the organization.”
The Mitre National Player of the Week is announced every Friday during the regular season. The winner of this national honor is determined by a vote of media members from across the country.
