Ciaran O’Brien earned the honor after the Silverbacks’ 3-2 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium. O’Brien tallied the Silverbacks’ second goal of the game, playing a key role in handing the Strikers their first home loss since the season opener.

The goal on Saturday night was the third of the season for the 23-year-old midfielder, and it came on a free kick nearly 25 yards from goal. O’Brien sent a bending effort over the Strikers’ wall and past goalkeeper Matt Glaeser to give the Silverbacks their first lead of the game.

Saturday night’s performance in Fort Lauderdale capped off a successful individual week for O’Brien. In the Silverbacks’ match against the Puerto Rico Islanders on July 4, he recorded a pair of goals and an assist, bringing his week-long total to three goals and an assist.

O’Brien missed four complete games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, and his return to full strength has contributed significantly to the Silverbacks’ offensive progress. He is currently the team leader in assists (3) and second on the team in goals (3), behind forward Matt Horth (4).