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Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has been named the North American Soccer League Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.

A Clearwater native and graduate of the University of South Florida, Attinella made six saves in Tampa Bay’s 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. With the victory, the Rowdies extended their unbeaten streak to four games and moved into a tie for second place in the NASL standings with eight points. Tampa Bay also remained undefeated in all nine matches between the teams since its return in 2010, including four consecutive victories in the series.

“It was a big win for our team and this award is definitely a credit to our defense, which has been playing well all year,” said Attinella. “It is a great honor and hopefully we can keep our run going. It certainly shows how well we have played as a team so far.”

Attinella is tied for the league lead with a goals against average of 0.80 and also ranks tied for first in the NASL for fewest goals allowed with four. The award marks the third time in his career, including the first this season, that Attinella has received the weekly NASL honor.

The Rowdies return to action with a home-and-home against San Antonio, beginning with a road contest at the Scorpions this Saturday, May 5, followed by a home match against San Antonio at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, May 12. For ticket information, call 813-287-1539.