New York, NY -- Miami Fusion forward Alex Pineda Chacon, who came off the bench to score two goals in a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, has been selected by PSRA as MLS' Player of the Week for the week ending April 8, 2001. It was the Fusion's first win in a regular season opener.
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| Miami's Alex Pineda Chacon scored two goals to lead his team victory. (CONCACAF) | |
Chacon, who was acquired from Honduran club Olimpia in the offseason, entered the match for Tim Sahaydak in the 60th minute. The combination of Chacon along with Colombian striker Diego Serna immediately shifted the momentum of the contest and gave life to the Fusion attack.
Eight minutes after coming onto the field, Chacon netted his first MLS goal. Midfielder Ian Bishop won the ball 35 yards from goal and directed a pass through the middle of the Rapids defense to a streaking Chacon who drilled the ball from six yards out past goalkeeper Adin Brown.
Four minutes later, Chacon gave the Fusion the lead for good as he netted the game-winner off of a set piece. On the corner kick delivered by Serna, defender Ivan McKinley knocked the ball down with his chest and Chacon proceeded to slot the ball in the net from close range.
The 31-year-old Chacon is considered one of his nation's true soccer legends, having won more championships than any other Honduran player - including several national, Central American and CONCACAF titles while playing for Olimpia.
Chacon outdistanced D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey and San Jose Earthquakes defender Troy Dayak for the weekly award. The MLS Player of the Week is selected by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA).