No surprise… Pontius named MLS Player of the Week By Steven Sandor Posted on April 23, 2012 Comments Off on No surprise… Pontius named MLS Player of the Week 0 620 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Chris Pontius This week’s MLS Player of the Week pick was a no-brainer. D.C. United’s Chris Pontius notched a hat trick in a 4-1 triumph over the New York Red Bulls, and got the most POTW votes from the membership of the North American Soccer Reporters. Two of Pontius’ strikes were Goal of the Week worthy. First off, after stealing the ball from Thierry Henry, the American midfielder-converted-into-striker strolled down the field and unleashed a 20-yard drive into the top corner. Pontius finished off his hat trick with a mazy, 40-yard run through a New York Red Bulls defence that looked like it was better suited to USL than MLS. Pontius punctuated the run by rolling the ball across the line. How The 11 voted: Pontius. His performance was dominating. But, as an interesting side note to the Pontius coming-put party, it’s worth noting that two ex-Toronto FC players are making major contributions as DCU has climbed into second place in the East. Maicon Santos set up Pontius’s second goal. After the Brazilian beat a couple of defenders to the end line, he pushed a cross in just outside the goal line, where it bounded off a Red Bulls defender and laid there for Pontius to drive home. As well, Dwayne De Rosario set up the other D.C. United goal of the match, laying the ball off for super rookie Nick DeLeon to stroke towards goal.
