Atlanta Silverbacks forward Joao Johanning Mora has been selected as the thirteenth Mitre National Player of the Week for the 2017 NPSL season.
“Like I said, it’s been about the team mentality,” Johanning Mora commented. “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 had 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,” Atlanta Silverbacks head coach/general manager Phoday Dolleh added. “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 would later begin his professional career there, 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 lynchpin of the Atlanta offense. In 2016, he led the squad 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.
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.
