USL PRO News Release
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 11 of the 2014 season on Tuesday as OKC Energy FC midfielder Michael Thomas was named Player of the Week after his stoppage-time goal earned his side a 1-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls Reserves on Saturday night.
Oklahoma City’s captain put in a strong performance throughout the game as his side pursued its first home victory at Pribil Stadium, and came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when his shot hit the right post. The goal arrived in the final seconds of stoppage time, however, as a well-flighted corner by Christian Duke to the back post found Thomas for a header that sent the sellout crowd into celebration.
Thomas is joined on the Team of the Week by teammate Peabo Doue, who was strong defensively and got forward well down the left side throughout Saturday’s contest. Rochester’s Kyle Hoffer and Pittsburgh’s Brian Fekete were also selected after strong outings for their respective sides, while Orange County’s Patrick McLain earned the goalkeeper spot after his seven-save shutout against Arizona United on Saturday night. The Blues’ Allan Russell also earned selection after his goal paved the way for a 2-0 victory at Anteater Stadium.
USL PRO’s two leading scorers were also named to the team, as last week’s Player of the Week Kevin Molino of Orlando City recorded his ninth goal of the season in the Lions’ 2-0 win against Charleston. The LA Galaxy II’s Chandler Hoffman also struck for his eighth of the season with what proved to be the winner in Los Dos’ 1-0 win against the Seattle Sounders Reserves.
Rounding out the team were a trio of MLS loanees, as Richmond’s Kyle Porter recorded the game-winning goal and an assist in the Kickers’ 3-2 win against Harrisburg on Saturday. Wilmington’s Manny Aparicio also earned selection after his key role in the Hammerheads’ 2-1 win against Charlotte, while Harrisburg’s Jimmy McLaughlin was named thanks to his outstanding solo finish that earned the City Islanders a 1-1 draw in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The 2014 USL PRO season continues this weekend with the Richmond Kickers set to host the Harrisburg City Islanders in a rematch of their five-goal thriller from this past weekend, and Sacramento Republic FC set to take its final bow at Hughes Stadium before moving into Bonney Field as Arizona United SC makes the trip to Northern California.
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: Evan Newton, Schillo Tschuma; Charleston: Mamadou Diouf; Charlotte: Drew Yates; Dayton: Guilherme Felix; Harrisburg: Morgan Langley, Luan Silva; LA Galaxy II: Daniel Steres, Andre Auras; Oklahoma City: Christian Duke, Philip Lund; Orange County: Mehrshad Momeni, Chris Cortez; Orlando: Corey Hertzog, Miguel Gallardo; Pittsburgh: Mike Green, Collins John; Richmond: Jared Jeffrey, Hugh Roberts; Rochester: Donnie Smith, Levi Houapeu; Wilmington: Sammy Ochoa, Steven Miller.