RENTON, Wash. - Seattle Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins has been voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for week 29 of the 2013 MLS season.
Obafemi Martins played a critical role in the Seattle's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake at CenturyLink Field Friday night, scoring the game-winning goal and adding an assist. With the win, Sounders FC moved to the top spot in the Western Conference and in the Supporters' Shield race.
It took only three minutes for Seattle to take the lead. Martins played a quick pass to Andy Rose, who was streaking down the left side of the field, continued his run inside the penalty area, and finished off Rose's low cross past a diving Nick Rimando.
In the 38th minute, Seattle made it 2-0 when Martins slotted the ball up the right sideline, past the Salt Lake defense to DeAndre Yedlin who crossed it to Lamar Neagle. Neagle volleyed it into the back of the net for the insurance goal.
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com/.
Sounders FC visits the LA Galaxy on Saturday night at the StubHub Center (7:30 p.m. PT, NBCSN).