PORTLAND, Ore. – United Soccer Leagues announced today that Portland Timbers U-23s forward ErikHurtado was named the Premier Development League Player of the Week for Week 12. Hurtado scored three goals to lead Portland to victory in its season finale. It’s his first Team of the Week honors in 2011.
Scoring all three of his goals in the first half, Hurtado played a key role in the Timbers U-23s’ 5-1 road victory over the North Sound SeaWolves on July 22, capping the team’s season on a high note. Ahead 1-0, Hurtado padded Portland’s lead with a pair of unassisted goals and converted a penalty kick all before halftime. Hurtado finished his first season with the Timbers U-23s with eight goals in eight games.
His hat trick was the second of the season and just the fourth in team history. Forward Brent Richards recorded a three-goal performance in a 6-0 win over the Washington Crossfire on May 15.
Additionally, Richards was named an honorable mention on the PDL Team of the Week for Week 12. Richards scored his eighth goal of the season in the victory over North Sound. It’s his fourth PDL Team of the Week honorable mention this season. He was named the league’s Player of the Week in Week 3.
Overall in 2011, the Timbers U-23s had four players named to the PDL Team of the Week, including Hurtado, Richards, midfielder Bim Oguynemi (Week 5) and defender Dylan Tucker (Week 8). Several players received honorable mention honors, including goalkeeper Jason Dodson and forward Miles Byass.
The 2011 PDL All-Conference Teams will be announced on Monday, Aug. 1, followed by the PDL All-League Team on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
