In a landslide vote, Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Eric Hassli was honoured with the AT&T Goal of the Week award for Week 13.
The big Frenchman took the league's weekly accolade with his stunning 85th-minute equalizer during last Saturday's memorable 2-2 draw versus Interstate 5 rivals Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field. His right-footed turn and volley drew the attention of soccer fans all over the world, as Hassli's goal generated nearly five million hits on YouTube during the week, while becoming a very strong candidate for MLS Goal of the Year.
HASSLI'S GOAL RECEIVES WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM
In what was his sixth goal of the season, Hassli took advantage of an errant Seattle pass by chipping the ball straight up in the air on the right-hand side of the Sounders FC box. With his back to goal, Hassli turned and hit a sublime volley that swerved and dipped off the inside of the far post and into the Seattle goal, leaving helpless Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller looking on in disbelief.
Hassli's goal received more that half the votes in what was the most lopsided 'Goal of the Week' poll so far this season, as fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry finished a distant second during a week that featured the strongest set of nominees in 2011.
AT&T Goal of the Week - Week 13 poll results
1. Eric Hassli, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 55%
2. Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls 16%
3. Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City 14%
4. Alan Gordon, Toronto FC 9%
5. Brek Shea, FC Dallas 6%
Don't forget to vote for Hassli and his Whitecaps FC teammates for the 2011 AT&T Major League Soccer All-Star Game to be held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 27. The All-Star Game will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on TSN. CLICK HERE TO VOTE. Fans can also vote by text message (SMS) or through twitter. Find out more information on how to vote at whitecapsfc.com.
With Father’s Day on Sunday, now is the perfect time to purchase an Eric Hassli jersey or other Whitecaps FC merchandise as a gift for your own ‘Superstar Father’. Vancouver Whitecaps FC merchandise can be purchased online at www.whitecapsfcshop.ca with apparel available for every type of father.
