USL PRO News Release
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 1 of the 2014 season on Tuesday with the LA Galaxy II’s Kenney Walker being named Player of the Week as he led his side to victory in its inaugural contest with a goal and an assist.
Walker was a positive midfield influence for much of the Galaxy II’s inaugural contest, with his powerful effort that was parried by Patrick McLain leading to the first goal in club history, scored by Charlie Rugg. Walker was the beneficiary of a rebound just before the halftime break as he scored what proved to be the game-winning goal, and he added an assist early in the second half as his corner kick was flicked home by Daniel Steres to earn a 3-1 win against the Orange County Blues.
Walker was joined by Rugg and Steres on the USL PRO Team of the Week, as both players found the back of the net in the Galaxy II’s inaugural victory. Steres, a 2013 All-League selection for Wilmington, was also solid defensively, while Rugg was active throughout up front as he finished the game with three shots.
The Charleston Battery and Orlando City also each had three players named to the Team of the Week, with the Battery’s Mamadou Diouf, Odisnel Cooper and John Wilson all being honored. Diouf scored the first goal of the USL PRO season with a decisive strike against the Lions, while Wilson and Cooper (five saves) both put in strong performances to help their side earn a point.
For the Lions, midfielders Austin da Luz and Darwin Ceren and defender Luke Boden were selected, as da Luz scored the equalizer that came from a cross from Boden, who was influential down the left side for much of the contest. Ceren also played well, showing off his creativity in the attacking third to open up chances for his teammates.
The Team of the Week is completed by two players from the Orange County Blues, for whom Stephen Okai scored the opening goal of the season with a curling free kick from just outside the penalty area. Okai is joined by defender Fabrice Gautrat, who made a solid debut for the club at left back.
The 2013 USL PRO season continues on Saturday night as the long-standing rivalry between the Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers resumes at Blackbaud Stadium. Also on Saturday, Orlando City hosts the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in its home opener, while Sacramento Republic FC makes its inaugural appearance as it visits the LA Galaxy II.
Every game of the 2014 USL PRO season can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via USLPROSoccer.com.
USL PRO Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
| GK | Odisnel Cooper | Charleston | Recorded five saves as Battery earned a point in opener |
| D | Daniel Steres | LA Galaxy II | Headed finish capped strong defensive performance |
| D | Luke Boden | Orlando | Dangerous down left, provided cross that led to equalizer |
| D | Fabrice Gautrat | Orange County | Solid debut performance in Blues’ opener |
| D | John Wilson | Charleston | Veteran was solid at back, got forward well when able |
| M | Kenney Walker | LA Galaxy II | Goal and assist led his side to win in inaugural contest |
| M | Austin da Luz | Orlando | Low finish earned Lions a point on the road in Charleston |
| M | Stephen Okai | Orange County | Outstanding free kick was highlight of Blues’ opener |
| M | Darwin Ceren | Orlando | Pulled strings effectively in attacking third, created chances |
| F | Mamadou Diouf | Charleston | Rifled home finish to put Battery on top against Orlando |
| F | Charlie Rugg | LA Galaxy II | Scored first goal in club history, sent Los Dos on way to win |
Honorable Mention – Charleston: Omar Salgado, Shawn Ferguson; LA Galaxy II: Oscar Sorto, Rafael Garcia; Orange County: Allan Russell, Gabriel Gonzalez; Orlando: Kevin Molino, Aodhan Quinn.