Bjork, Ricigliano nab Player of Week honors in EPLWA for May 21, 2017

BELLINGHAM, WA— The Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) today announces its latest Players of the Week on the heals of a weekend of action that saw 30 goals scored over 5 matches.

Tyler Bjork (left) scored a brace as Seattle topped Yakima. (Dave Miller)

OFFENSE – TYLER BJORK  (Seattle Stars)

In a weekend where 30 goals were scored there were a number of two-goal performances (“braces.”) The one that stood out most because it was crucial in his club’s victory was the pair scored by all-time EPLWA leading scorer Tyler Bjork. He helped his Seattle Stars to the top of the table with a wild 6-3 win at Yakima United.

The score initially credited Bjork with a hat trick. However, Tyler was quick to point out that one of his goals actually belonged to Atty Taylor. Bjork’s teammate Miles Sanchez also scored twice in the match.

“Although I didn’t get a hat trick, it is an honor to get this award,” says Bjork. “I thought we played extremely well. We had four different players find the back of the net. Nobody on our team would have found this success if we didn’t come together as a group and alter our tactics coming into the second half. As always there is much room for improvement, but collectively I think as a team we showed unlimited hunger and resilience to produce a victory.”

The recognition marks the third straight year that the fast-starting Bjork has won POTW honors in the month of May.

Brent Ricigliano’s versatility paid off for the Force on Sunday. (David Falk)

DEFENSE – BRENT RICIGLIANO (Olympic Force)

Sometimes it takes being in the right place at the right time — and ON time! Brent Ricigliano is generally an attacking option for the Olympic Force. On Sunday against WPSS Shock he was inserted as an outside back when one his teammates was late to warm-ups. Brent went on to shut down the Shock as Olympic recorded their first-ever win over their bridge rivals by a score of 3-1.

“Brent played brilliantly the whole game and shut down everyone they sent at him,” says Force General Manager Micah McMonagle.  “He cut out passes, won every tackle, never got beat down the line and was able to push into the attack numerous times with the ball down the right side of the field creating opportunities that led to the first goal.”

“I thought Brent had a great game,” agrees Olympic Head Coach Steve Cashmore. “Winning lots of balls and keeping possession nicely for us. He has played upfront for us but can play anywhere and when a spot opened up he took advantage of the situation. He has also been our back up keeper in a couple games and his versatility comes in very handy.”

About the Players of the Week honors

The Evergreen Premier League  will be selecting an offensive and defensive Player of the Week each week during the 2017 season. The Players of the Week will be acknowledged with a pair of custom, unique socks featuring the EPLWA logo. The socks are from Rock’Em Apparel, the Official Provider of the weekly reward. The league worked with Rock’Em Apparel to finalize the look of the socks. The league logo is complemented by a rendering of George Washington in the State seal.

The phrase “Rock ‘Em” represents the willingness to achieve greatness; to go above and beyond limits,” says www.RockEmApparel.com.

Evergreen Premier League players will work to do just that for their clubs this season. The best of the best will have cool custom socks to show off around town for their efforts.