June 1, 2009
SHARING THE WEALTH
Higgins, Clancy (first-half hat-tricks) players of week

For the second time in three weeks, two players shared the BigAppleSoccer.com player of the week honors -- the Long Island Academy's Shaun Higgins and Newark Ironbound Express' Kyle Clancy.

Both players connected for first-half hat-tricks in their respective wins.

Both were honored for the week ending on Sunday, May 31.

Higgins struck for his three goals during an 18-minute span in the first half of the Academy's 5-0 National Premier Soccer League victory over the Boston Aztecs on Saturday.

Higgins scored off a 20-yard chip in the 23rd minute from a 20-yard pass from Jose Batista, a six-yard header in the 40th minute off a cross from Josh Allen and a shot from six yards off a cross by Christian Uy in the 41st minute. Higgins' three goals matched his goal output for last season.

Clancy completed his hat-trick in 12 minutes in Newark's 5-0 win over the Westchester Flames in a Premier Development League match on Saturday night.

Express' laymaking midfielder Jonathan Bilbao set up Clancy's first goal in the 15th minute. Clancy hit a solo strike in the 22nd minute and completed his hat-trick five minutes later by sending home a Toric Robinson feed.

BigAppleSoccer.com players of the week

March 23 -- Jeremy Hall (New York Red Bulls)

March 30 -- Danleigh Borman (New York Red Bulls)

April 6 -- None

April 13 -- Alec Dufty (New York Red Bulls)

April 20 -- Macoumba Kandji (New York Red Bulls)

April 27 -- Jorge Rojas (New York Red Bulls)

May 4 -- John Sallhag (Brooklyn Knights)

May 11 -- Jerrod Laventure (Newark Ironbound Express)

May 18 -- Mathias Carrizo (Brooklyn Knights) and Michael Palacio (Long Island Rough Riders)

May 25 -- Brooke DeRosa (Long Island Rough Riders)

June 1 -- Shaun Higgins (Long Island Academy) and Kyle Clancy (Newark Ironbound Express)