Salsa’s Paulinho Is Honored as League’s Most Valuable Player

Salsa forward Paulinho was named the American Professional Soccer League most valuable player, the league announced Friday.

Paulinho had 15 goals and seven assists in 21 games to lead the league in scoring. The 5-foot-9, 163-pounder from Brazil also scored a goal to force overtime and help the Salsa upset Vancouver, 3-2, in the semifinals.

The Salsa will play Colorado for the championship Oct. 2 at Titan Stadium.

Salsa forward Paul Wright, the league’s second leading scorer, and defender Danny Pena joined Paulinho as first-team all-league selections. Salsa goalie Ian Feuer was named to the second team.