USL PRO News Release
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 5 of the 2014 season on Tuesday as Arizona United SC forward Jonathan Top was named Player of the Week as he scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win against Sacramento Republic FC. The victory was United’s first win in club history.
Top, on loan from FC Dallas, capitalized on a strong buildup from United, as a pass out to the right side found Matt Kassel and his cross to the back post was knocked down by Kadeem Dacres into the path of Top, who finished coolly before running to celebrate with Arizona’s fans behind the goal.
Kassel also earned a berth on the Team of the Week as he played an integral role in United’s victory. The team’s captain, Kassel provided a sweeping cross for Brandon Swartzendruber to score the first goal in club history, and despite having a penalty saved shortly before halftime, he continued to prove influential throughout the second half which culminated in his role in the winning goal.
The Richmond Kickers’ Kyle Porter joined Kassel in the Team of the Week midfield after his goal sparked his side’s comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with Pittsburgh. The Riverhounds were also represented by Brian Ownby, who scored and drew a penalty kick against his former team, while Jarad van Schaik from Charleston completed the quartet after a strong performance in difficult conditions against the New York Red Bulls Reserves.
Dayton had a pair of players selected following its 1-0 win on the road against Harrisburg as goalkeeper Matt Williams earned his second selection of the season for a five-save shutout. Forward Aaron Schoenfeld was also named after a strong all-around performance was capped with the game’s only goal.
The LA Galaxy II also earned two selections as they returned to the top of the USL PRO standings, with forward Chandler Hoffman and defender Daniel Steres both selected. Steres was joined by Harrisburg’s Pedro Ribeiro and Richmond’s Taylor Kemp in the Team of the Week defense after both performed well at both ends of the field.
The 2014 USL PRO season continues on Tuesday night as Orlando City visits the FC Dallas Reserves at 8 p.m. ET. Friday night sees another interleague contest as the Charlotte Eagles play host to the Chicago Fire Reserves at 7 p.m. ET, with the night being capped by the LA Galaxy II’s visit to Arizona United SC at 10 p.m. ET.
Saturday night brings two inaugural home openers as OKC Energy FC hosts Orlando City at Pribil Stadium at 8 p.m. ET, and Sacramento Republic FC hosts the Harrisburg City Islanders at Hughes Stadium at 10:30 p.m. ET. The weekend concludes on Sunday as the Rochester Rhinos host their 19th home opener at 4:05 p.m. ET with the Charleston Battery the visitors.
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
Honorable Mention – Arizona: Brandon Swartzendruber, Kadeem Dacres; Charleston: Dane Kelly, Heviel Cordoves; Dayton: Brock Granger, Eli Garner; Harrisburg: Richie Marquez, Yann Ekra; LA Galaxy II: Jack McBean, Rafael Garcia; Oklahoma City: Jon Kempin; Orange County: Jiovanni Santana, Allan Russell; Pittsburgh: Danny Earls, Jason Johnson; Richmond: Samuel Asante, Matt Delicate; Sacramento: Rodrigo Lopez, Jack Avesyan.