Alvarez named A-League 'Player of the Week'

PORTLAND, Ore.
- Portland Timbers forward Byron Alvarez today was named the A-League Player of the Week for Week Nine by United Soccer Leagues.




Alvarez, a five-time member of the A-League’s Team of the Week in his rookie 2003 season, separated himself with a three-goal, eight-point performance in Portland’s resounding 6-0 victory over the Edmonton Aviators at PGE Park during the week.




Alvarez, who ranks in the league’s top 10 in points (12) and goals (5), had a hand in five of the Timbers’ tallies against the Aviators, adding two assists as Portland recorded its largest margin of victory in its four seasons of A-League play.




It’s the second Player of the Week honor for Alvarez since joining the Timbers last season. He was the league’s pick as its top player for Week 12 last season, thanks to a natural hat trick off the bench in Portland’s 3-0 win over Vancouver on July 3, 2003.




Alvarez, an A-League second-team selection in 2003, is the second player to receive the weekly nod in 2004, with fellow forward Alan Gordon picking up back-to-back Player of the Week honors for Weeks Six and Seven.




The Timbers (7-2-0, 21pts), currently tied for first in the Western Conference, play host to the Rochester Raging Rhinos this Thursday at PGE Park.