Strykers' Mijatovic Named MASL Defensive Player of the Week

27-year-old put in standout performance in road win at St. Louis

Ontario, California — The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) today announced it has recognized Stefan Mijatovic of the Empire Strykers as Defensive Player of the Week for week 3 of the 2023-24 regular season. In Saturday’s away win away against the St. Louis Ambush, Mijatovic put in a standout shift, anchoring the backline for the Southern Californians while also contributing to his side’s attacking output. Mijatovic joined the Strykers from Utica City FC prior to the start of the campaign. He sits second league-wide in blocked opposition shots with eleven.

San Diego’s Charlie Gonzalez was named MASL Offensive Player of the Week, and Ivan Munoz of the Chihuahua Savage received the award for MASL Goalkeeper of the Week.

In the opening quarter of the 8-7 victory at St. Louis, the Strykers’ Mijatovic fired a rocket under the crossbar to make it 2-0. In the second quarter, the visitors would go up 4-1 as the 27-year-old picked out fellow defender Adam James on a beautifully executed counterattack. Mijatovic led all players with five blocked opposition shots on the day.

Stefan Mijatovic and the Empire Strykers return to the turf for their big December 15 home opener against the Baltimore Blast, likely to feature recent signing and former Mexican international, Marco Fabián. The blockbuster clash at Ontario’s Toyota Arena is scheduled to kick off at 7:35 p.m. PT. Tickets are available here.