USL PRO News Release
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its Team of the Week for the second week of the 2012 season today, honoring Orlando City forward John Rooney as Player of the Week after he scored a pair of goals and added an assist to lead his side to a 4-1 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads on Sunday evening.
As the defending USL PRO champions celebrated their home opener, Rooney led the way to an impressive victory. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, and bagged a second with a fine low volley from 12 yards out in the 41st minute to double the Lions’ lead. He then turned supplier in the 54th minute as his in-swinging corner from the left was met by Rob Valentino for the third goal.
Valentino and Kevin Molino also earned berths on the team, with the Trinidad and Tobago international recording a pair of assists on Rooney’s second goal and Dennis Chin’s second-half finish.
The Rochester Rhinos also had three players selected to the team, with goalkeeper Kristian Nicht looking sharp in recording a shutout on the road against Los Angeles and Tyler Rosenlund being rewarded for scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal. They were joined by Tam McManus, who in addition to starting the move that led to Rosenlund’s goal proved a pivotal figure in the Rhinos’ attack all game.
Elsewhere, Richmond’s Sascha Goerres was named to the team after his late goal gave the Kickers victory against the Charleston Battery, while Wilmington’s Bryce Taylor scored on his professional debut against Orlando. Nicki Paterson’s fine effort that gave Charleston an early lead against Richmond saw his selection, while defenders Mettin Copier of Dayton and Cheyne Roberts of Charlotte both played key roles as their sides each took a point from their contest.
USL PRO Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
| GK | Kristian Nicht | Rochester | Was sharp in his first game in North American, recording a shutout |
| D | Rob Valentino | Orlando | Had a solid game defensively, and added the Lions’ third goal |
| D | Sascha Goerres | Richmond | 90th-minute goal game Kickers first win of the season |
| D | Mettin Copier | Dayton | Strong center back helped keep Charlotte’s offense in check |
| D | Cheyne Roberts | Charlotte | Had a solid display to help the Eagles earn their first point |
| M | Bryce Taylor | Wilmington | Scored on his professional debut for the Hammerheads |
| M | Kevin Molino | Orlando | Proved continually dangerous, and recorded a pair of assists |
| M | Nicki Paterson | Charleston | Scored well-taken goal to put Battery on top early |
| M | Tyler Rosenlund | Rochester | Well-placed header earned Rhinos victory against Los Angeles |
| F | John Rooney | Orlando | Had a pair of goals and added an assists in standout performance |
| F | Tam McManus | Rochester | Linked up well with midfield, and started move that led to goal |
Honorable Mention – Charleston: Amadou Sanyang, John Wilson; Charlotte: Milton Blanco; Dayton: Joel DeLass, Akeem Priestly; Los Angeles: Ricky Waddell; Orlando: Dennis Chin; Richmond: Matt Delicate, Gerson Dos Santos; Rochester: J.C. Banks, Troy Roberts.