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Defender Taylor Mueller added USl Player of the Week honors to what has already been an outstanding start to the 2016 season, playing a key role in the Battery's 2-1 victory over Wilmington Saturday.
The former Washington Husky made his presence felt early against the Hammerheads, notching a headed assist on a 2nd minute Romario Williams goal. Mueller would go on to score what would be the game winning goal in the 84th minute, once again using his head, off a solid corner by Justin Portillo.
Saturday's performance proved that Mueller is a forced to be reckoned with not only on defense, where the Battery have been one of if not the top clubs in USL holding Wilmington to just 2 shots, but a goal scoring threat off set pieces.
Mueller on the game winner: "We've done that so, so many times, Justin and me, I actually switched with Fergie (Shawn Ferguson), we were switching every time. He'd go near post, I'd go far-post, and vice-versa. Justin put in a great ball, put the perfect touch on it, and luckily the keeper was sleeping just a little bit."
Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser spoke highly of the 5th year Battery veteran, describing Mueller's performance as "beautiful", earning his 2nd league recognition in 3 weeks.
Mueller showed off his versatility against a solid FC Cincinnati club in week one, moving from his usual spot at CB to cover an injured Emmanuel Adjetey at RB, earning a spot on the USL Team of The Week.
"It shows that he's stepping up," said Anhaeuser "It's doing something special, like scoring a goal or shutting someone down. Hopefully we'll get more defenders on the team of the week every week. But it's certainly well-deserved."
It certainly appears 2016 has all the makings of a breakout season for the 27-year-old defender. Mueller will look to ride his wave of momentum, and continue to play a lead role in Charleston's quest for a 5th USL Championship.