Sacramento Gold FC midfielder Danny Mititelu has been selected as the first National Premier Soccer League player of the week.

Mititelu scored the game-tying goal in stoppage time in a 1-1 draw against Napa Valley 1839 FC.

“I feel honored receiving the award,” Mititelu said. “Thanks to God and my coaches for pushing me to become a better player. It was a crucial time for us to level up in the game and I was at the right place at the right time. I’m glad I was able to help my team and make an impact in the game. I’m glad to have shared this moment with everyone. Now we move forward, making sure to get the results we need.”

Added Gold FC head coach Ruben Mora: “We are happy that Danny has been honored with the Mitre National Player of the Week award. He deserves the award. He came into the game and immediately contributed with his energy and technical ability. He brought a ball out of the air with his chest and hit a volley from the top of the box that created a spectacular goal.

“Danny is a versatile player for us with the ability to play multiple positions. He is very passionate and has a high work rate.”

Born and raised in Sacramento, Calif., Mititelu has been a member of the Gold for four seasons. He also has played for the professional indoor team Sacramento Surge and Romanian side FC Baia Mare Maramures.

The award winner is determined by a vote of media members from across the country. It is awarded every week during the regular season.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.