Will Bruin’s week just keeps getting better. After scoring a hat trick in last Friday’s 4-1 win over D.C. United – the first by a Houston Dynamo rookie – the forward’s performance was rewarded Monday when he became the first rookie to be named MLS Player of the Week in 2011.
Bruin scored the Dynamo’s first three goals against D.C. and showed the hustle and work ethic that have made the quiet rookie a well-liked guy in the Dynamo locker room. Still, the Indiana University alum was quick to point out that his teammates’ efforts were vital in his accomplishment.
WATCH: Bruin's hat trick vs. D.C. United
“[The award’s] nice, but every goal I scored on Friday was from a great ball from either Geoff [Cameron] or Brad [Davis],” Bruin said. “I had the easy part, which was just finishing.”
Just finishing is an understatement. Bruin outworked the D.C. back line to get into good positions and put good shots on frame. His work both on and off the ball helped set the tone for the Dynamo in the impressive victory and made the team’s third straight home win possible.
“He's a talented player and, if you look at the score sheet, he gets a lot of touches and a lot of shots,” said team captain Brian Ching, who replaced Bruin late in the second half against United.
“I think the stats don’t lie,” head coach Dominic Kinnear said. “He had a hat trick, led the line well, and had a great week for us. For him, it’s very deserving, and he seems to be more comfortable. I always thought his aggression to go at goal and make runs to create chances has been very good, and he finished them, so I’m very happy for him.”
Now Bruin is looking to keep his good play going while helping the team extend its unbeaten streak to seven games against defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.
“They’re obviously the defending champs, and we’re going to have to play it like every other game and play hard for the full 90 and keep putting the ball in the back of the net,” Bruin said.
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.
