Wilmington Hammerheads’ midfielder Daniel Steres was named USL PRO Player of the Week after scoring three goals in two games as the Hammerheads took four points from two of the top-three teams in USL PRO to remain in contention for the playoffs.
Steres, a former player for the Ventura County Fusion, helped his side earn a 2-2 draw with Orlando City last Wednesday night as he opened the scoring from close range after good work by Kyle Greig. The midfielder then converted from the penalty spot with nine minutes to go to earn Wilmington a point after Orlando had rallied to take the lead in the second half.
Steres also scored the opening goal in the Hammerheads’ 2-1 win against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday night, as his powerful header off Tom Parratt’s corner kick found the underside of the crossbar and went in. Steres is joined on the Team of the Week by Bryce Taylor, who had a standout performance against the City Islanders, and provided a fine cross for Cody Arnoux to score a stoppage-time game-winner that moved the Hammerheads within three points of the playoff positions.
With nine matches to go in their USL Pro slate, Wilmington sits three points out of the eighth and final spot in the playoffs, where Tampa Bay FC rests with 24 points on the season. The Hammerheads face what could be a season deciding three-game road trip starting Saturday, July 13, with a match against the Charlotte Eagles at Queens University.
The local soccer club has a 1-6-1 record away from their home pitch, while having posted a 5-2-2 mark in the friendly confines of Legion Stadium. Five out of their final nine matches are on the road.
