MIAMI, Fla. (April 30, 2012) – Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has been named the North American Soccer League Defender of the Week, the league announced on Monday.

A Clearwater native and graduate of the University of South Florida, Attinella made six saves in Tampa Bay’s 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten, arch-rival Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. With the victory, the Rowdies extended their unbeaten streak to four games and moved into a tie for second place in the NASL standings with eight points. Tampa Bay also remained undefeated in all nine matches between the two teams since its return in 2010, including four consecutive victories in the series.

“It was a big win for our team and this award is definitely a credit to our defense, which has been playing well all year,” said Attinella. “It is a great honor and hopefully we can keep our run going. It certainly shows how well we have played as a team so far.”

Attinella is tied for the league lead with a goals against average of 0.80 and also ranks tied for first in the NASL for fewest goals allowed (4) among goalkeepers who have played at least 100 minutes. The award marks the third time in his career, including the first this season, that Attinella has received the weekly NASL honor.

Attinella edged out a strong field including Player of the Week nominee Daryl Sattler of San Antonio to win the award. Sattler, filling in for the injured Pat Hanningan, made four saves as the Scorpions recorded their first ever win, a 1-0 shutout in Cary, NC, versus the Carolina RailHwaks.