News

MIAMI, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2012) – The North American Soccer League has named Fort Lauderdale Strikers midfielder Conor Shanosky Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first award for the rookie who played a key role in the team’s 0-0 draw on the road against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, Aug. 18 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. The shutout was the second straight for the Strikers and fifth of the season.

Shanosky played directly in front of the back four during the game, breaking up the Islanders attack and helping to create a few counter attacking opportunities for the Strikers by transitioning quickly from ball winning to distribution forward.

"I’m honored to receive this award, as it was a good result for us as a team,” said Shanosky. “Personally, I just tried to listen to the guys around me and we were able to work together and produce a strong defensive effort to get the result."

Shanosky has started 22 of 23 games this season for Fort Lauderdale. He leads all Strikers field players in minutes played with 1,872 and is seventh in the NASL.

“Conor had a solid game alongside Alfonso [Motagalvan] in the defensive midfield for us. Since coming on loan from D.C. United, Conor has had a solid season,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “I think he would tell you our entire defense deserves this award for their performance.”

Shanosky joined the Strikers on March 2, 2012 when D.C. United agreed to loan him for the entire 2012 season. Shanosky, 20, made his debut with the Strikers in the opening game of the season, a 1-0 win over FC Edmonton on April 7 at Lockhart Stadium. A graduate of D.C.’s Academy at just 18 years of age, Shanosky signed professional terms with D.C. United on August 16, 2010.