PLAYER OF THE WEEK | Fort Lauderdale Forward Stefano Pinho

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers took another step toward reaching The Championship with a win at San Antonio, and forward Stefano Pinho, 24, once again played a key role in a Strikers’ victory. He tallied his second hat trick of the season as Fort Lauderdale defeated the Scorpions, 4-2, and for his performance was named the NASL Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Entering the weekend encounter, Fort Lauderdale trailed FC Edmonton for the fourth and final postseason spot. The Strikers, however, now have the advantage  with a game in hand and a superior goal difference (plus-6) while sitting even on points (34) with the Eddies – who lost to Ottawa Fury FC – after defeating the Scorpions. Pinho tracked down a ball over the top from Marlon Freitas for his first goal of the night, beat Scorpions goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes at the near post for his second, and completed his hat trick when he slotted home Shawn Chin’s low cross.

“I am glad to win this honor,” Pinho said. “I am even more glad that we won Saturday and helped our playoff chances. While I’m proud to receive this recognition, now is not the time to celebrate. We have to keep our focus to make The Championship.”

Fort Lauderdale made a late push last year for a postseason berth, going unbeaten in its last seven regular-season games. The Strikers reached the final before losing to the Scorpions, 2-1. Now, the Strikers are on track for similar late-season success as they close in on a place in The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament.

“He’s made a big impact in this league,” Strikers coach Günter Kronsteiner said. “What counts even more for me: he’s a team player.  He’s always in the right spot, has all of the tools to be a great scorer, and he works hard for his teammates. He is very deserving of this recognition.”

Pinho, a native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, joined the Strikers on a season-long loan from Brazilian club Fluminense ahead of the Spring Season. In a previous loan stint with Finnish side MYPA, Pinho scored 11 goals in 20 appearances. With his 15 goals in 23 NASL appearances, the young forward is in the pole position for the NASL Golden Boot award.

Pinho and the Strikers return to action when they visit red-hot Minnesota United on Saturday at NSC Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Eastern, and the match can be seen live on ESPN3.