Christo Michaelson is willing to do what it takes to win matches. Last Saturday night in Spokane the Vancouver Victory needed him to play out of position. Michaelson looked right at home at center back as V2FC stung the Shadow 3-0. His efforts earn him the EPLWA Defensive Player of the Week honor.
“Christo played CB for us on Saturday (He usually plays a holding midfielder for us),” says Victory head coach Aaron Lewis. “He saved one ball off the line in the first half (keeping our 1-0 lead at the time), was good in possession and managed our transition defense really well all game. The Victory had more of the ball this week and he helped lead our group into our desired defensive shape.”
#5 Christo Michaelson plays college ball with Gonzaga. He returned to Spokane with the Victory and led their defense to a 3-0 win over the Shadow.
Christo (back row, second from right) and his mates are unbeaten after two matches. V2FC hosts unbeaten Bellingham on Sunday afternoon in their home opener. (V2FC photo)
Christo Michaelson.
V2FC owner Barrett Goddard was appreciative of Michaelson’s willingness to change positions (at Gonzaga he’s listed as a 5’10 forward!). “Christo normally plays a defensive midfield role for us but prior to the match Aaron spoke with Christo and decided to move him to center back to anchor the defense,” Goddard reveals. “Against Spokane he took control of the match defensively with his physical presence and communication. He always seems to make a series of excellent decisions on the field. It was a smart coaching move and Christo was a key part of us maintaining a clean sheet.”
