Atlanta Silverbacks forward Joao Johanning Mora has been selected the National Premier Soccer League player of the week, it was announced Wednesday.
Johanning Mora recorded a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over FC Carolina United.
“Like I said, it’s been about the team mentality,” he said. “I came to play for my teammates on Saturday and we got the win, most importantly. An award like this wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, coaches, and our fans.”
Silverbacks head coach/general manager Phoday Dolleh certainly was impressed.
“All I can say is that Joao was on fire from the start on Saturday,” he said. “He was mentally prepared to play and his teammates made it easy for him. Joao is unstoppable when he comes to play.”
Johanning Mora was born on the west coast of Africa in Guinea-Bissua, but grew up in Costa Rica. He began his professional career there, playing for five clubs from 2009-12. After a brief hiatus from the game, he signed with the Silverbacks reserves squad.
For the last two years in the NPSL, Johanning Mora has been the lynchpin of the Atlanta attack. In 2016, he led the team in scoring with 10 goals and was voted Silverbacks player of the year. This year, he leads the ‘Backs with four goals at the halfway mark of the season. Johanning Mora turned down a United Soccer League offer to remain with the Silverbacks for this season.
The winner of this national honor is determined by a vote of media members from across the country.