USL Release
Thursday, May 5, 2011
TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues announced the first USL Premier Development League Team of the Week today, honoring Central Florida Kraze goalkeeper Keneil Baker as Player of the Week after recording 11 saves in the Kraze’s 1-0 victory to open the season against Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy.
Baker is joined on the team by Central Florida teammate Pablo Gutierrez, who scored the only goal of the game from a free kick in the 88th minute.
With a limited schedule of five games on opening weekend, Orange County Blue Star leads the team with three representatives including standout forward Chandler Hoffman, who had two goals and an assist as Orange County earned a 4-0 victory against the Los Angeles Legends.
Hoffman is joined by defender Joe Sofia, who was solid as Orange County gave up just three shots on goal, and midfielder Luis Silva, who had two assists.
The Kitsap Pumas also saw a pair of players named to the team, with midfielders Matt Friesen and Kyle Johnson each getting selected after scoring their side’s goals in a 2-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency.
The strong defensive performances that saw Fresno, Ventura County and the LA Blues 23 each record shutouts were also recognized, with Michael Daly of Ventura, Araia Berhane of Fresno and Mark Nelson of LA get named to the team.
USL Premier Development League Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
| GK | Keneil Baker | Central Florida | Recorded an 11-save shutout to help his side to an opening victory |
| D | Michael Daly | Ventura County | Was solid at the center of the Fusion’s defense in a 0-0 draw with Fresno |
| D | Joe Sofia | Orange County | Helped limit Los Angeles Legends to three shots in a 4-0 victory |
| D | Araia Berhane | Fresno | Was integral as the Fuego recorded a pair of shutouts to start the season |
| D | Mark Nelson | LA Blues 23 | Helped his side record an opening shutout on the road in Fresno |
| M | Luis Silva | Orange County | Pair of assists helped his side to a 4-0 victory |
| M | Matt Friesen | Kitsap | Scored the opening goal in the Pumas 2-0 win against Vancouver |
| M | Pablo Gutierrez | Central Florida | 88th-minute free kick lifted his side to a 1-0 victory in opener |
| M | Kyle Johnson | Kitsap | Added the Pumas’ insurance goal in the second half of their win |
| F | Chandler Hoffman | Orange County | Earned two goals and an assist in a dominant performance |
| F | William Suedois | Schulz Academy | Had five shots, but was denied his reward by Baker’s goalkeeping. |
Honorable Mention: Fresno – Gustavo Silva; Orange County – David Ponce, Adrian Avila; Vancouver – Doudou Toure; Ventura County – Sam Hayden.