USL PRO News Release
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO named its Team of the Week for Week 14 of the 2014 season on Tuesday as Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez was named Player of the Week. Lopez scored twice and added an assist as Republic FC took a 4-3 victory against the Colorado Rapids Reserves in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,000 fans as Sacramento opened its new home at Bonney Field Friday night.
Republic FC fell behind against the Rapids Reserves, but Lopez had a hand in all three goals as his side took a 3-1 lead at the halftime break. The captain first flighted an excellent cross that was headed home by Justin Braun, and then scored two goals in four minutes, the second a wonderful curling effort that found the top-right corner of the net.
Lopez was joined in the Team of the Week midfield by Charlotte’s Jorge Herrera, who was influential in the Eagles’ 3-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night. Herrera provided the assist on Fred Sekyere’s first-half goal before netting Charlotte’s third himself as the Eagles claimed victory in the league for the first time since May 8.
Orlando City’s Adama Mbengue was also named after his goal proved to be the game-winner in the Lions’ 2-0 win against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Sunday, while the Wilmington Hammerheads’ Will Heaney was selected after his thunderous volley in stoppage time earned his side a point in a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire Reserves.
Orange County Blues goalkeeper Mohammad Mohammadi led the defensive selections as he conceded no goals in his final professional appearance, a victory against the Chivas USA Reserves. The backline was led by Arizona United’s Scott Morrison, whose excellent free kick earned his side a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy II, while Orlando’s Luke Boden provided the assist on Mbengue’s goal against Dayton. Rochester’s Pat McMahon and Oklahoma City’s Gareth Evans also earned selection after solid performances in the meeting between their two sides on Sunday night.
Richmond’s Matt Delicâte earned selection after he recorded his 10th goal of the season in the Kickers’ 3-1 victory against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Delicâte recently recorded his 100th professional goal in last week’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup clash against the New England Revolution, and is tied for the league-lead alongside Kevin Molino this season. Orange County’s Allan Russell rounded out the team as his goal and assist led the Blues to a 2-1 victory against the Chivas USA Reserves
The USL PRO season continues on Thursday night as Sacramento Republic FC welcomes Arizona United SC to Bonney Stadium at 10:30 p.m. ET. Other highlights of the weekend schedule include a Friday-night clash between longtime rivals the Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers at Blackbaud Stadium, and a top-of-the-table battle between league leaders Orlando City and the third-placed LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
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, Matt Kassel; Charleston: Maikel Chang; Charlotte: Fred Sekyere, Juan Guzman; Dayton: Sebastian Thuriere; Harrisburg: Cristhian Hernandez, Jimmy McLaughlin; LA Galaxy II: Travis Bowen, Oscar Sorto; Oklahoma City: Peabo Doue; Orange County: Chris Cortez, Kwame Watson-Siriboe; Orlando: Miguel Gallardo, Kevin Molino; Pittsburgh: Jose Angulo, Danny Earls; Richmond: Luke Vercollone, Henry Kalungi; Rochester: Levi Houapeu, Luis Soffner; Sacramento: Mike Fucito, Justin Braun; Wilmington: Jordan Hamilton, Sammy Ochoa.