Timbers' Alcaraz-Cuellar named First Division Player of the Week

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Timbers midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar was honored as the USL First Division’s Player of the Week for Week 16, it was announced today.

Alcaraz-Cuellar, 28, earned the award after collecting an assist and the game-tying goal in Friday’s 3-3 draw with Minnesota, while adding the game-winning assist in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Seattle.

Currently leading the USL First Division with seven assists, Alcaraz-Cuellar is the fourth player, along with Alan Gordon (3) Byron Alvarez and Edwin Miranda, to garner the honor over the past two seasons.

Alcaraz-Cuellar is the Timbers’ all-time assist leader in the United Soccer Leagues, with 34 dishes over the past four seasons.

Thompson also received a nod from the league on Tuesday, earning inclusion on the USL First Division Team of the Week after hitting for a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-3 tie versus Minnesota.

The defender will miss two upcoming matches after being invited to England for a tryout with Sunderland AFC of the English Premier League.

The Timbers take on the defending champion-Montreal Impact this Wednesday evening at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific).