FC Edmonton midfielder Sainey Nyassi has won Player of the Week for his goal and assist

FC Edmonton midfielder Sainey Nyassi has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after tallying a goal and an assist in the Canadian side’s 3-2 comeback victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Sunday.

“I want to thank my teammates for making it a good game for the whole team, and fighting together even though it wasn’t going our way,” Nyassi said. “I had a good performance with a goal and an assist, but it was more important to get the win for FC Edmonton.”

From the outset, Nyassi caused plenty of problems for the Strikers’ defense. In the 8th minute, the Gambian international beat several defenders before crossing the ball to midfielder Ritchie Jones for an easy finish. Just before halftime, Nyassi drew a penalty kick that could have given the Eddies the lead, but striker Frank Jonke saw his spot kick saved.

Late in the second half, with his team down a goal, Nyassi rifled home the equalizer low into the net, leaving Strikers goalkeeper David Meves helpless. The goal gave the Eddies the momentum they needed to find the winner, which came in the 80th minute off the head of striker Tomi Ameobi.

"One of the key reasons we brought Sainey to the club was to add that attacking quality and pace,” FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said. “He has settled in really well here, and we're all proud that he received this honor.”

Nyassi signed with FC Edmonton in the offseason after spending last season in Finland with Rovaniemen Palloseura (RoPS). Prior to his stint overseas, the 26-year-old winger played over 120 games in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the New England Revolution and D.C. United. He has a twin brother, Sanna, who currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS.

On the heels of its first victory of the season, FC Edmonton now heads into an off week before resuming NASL Spring Season play on May 3 against Minnesota United FC at Clarke Field.