News

FC Tampa Bay forward Mike Ambersley has been named the North American Soccer League Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.

Ambersley scored a season-high two goals in FC Tampa Bay’s 3-2 victory over Atlanta on Sunday night at Al Lang Stadium. He now leads the team and ranks tied for second in the NASL with five goals this season.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Ambersley. “But for me, trying to win games is the most important thing for our team and it was crucial for us to get the three points at home and use that momentum to have a good game in Carolina this weekend. My teammates did a great job of finding me and Warren Ukah throughout the game, and giving us opportunities. And of course, the biggest play of the game was Aaron King scoring the late goal to get us three points.”

Ambersley has scored three goals in his last two matches. His first goal against the Silverbacks came in the 31st minute off a pass from midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake and gave FC Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. Ambersley added his second tally off a rebound in the 54th minute, which gave the team its second lead of the game at 2-1.

The award marks the third time an FC Tampa Bay player has received a weekly league honor this season. Goalkeeper Daryl Sattler was named NASL Defender of the Week on April 25 following a scoreless draw at Montreal and goalkeeper Jeff Attinella was selected NASL Defender of the Week on May 24 after FCTB’s 3-0 victory over Montreal.