May 2, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the Team of the Week for Week 5 of the 2022 regular season with Charlotte Independence midfielder Miguel Ibarra named Player of the Week. In Charlotte’s two Week 5 matches, Ibarra maintained the highest passing score of the week and recorded an assist in Charlotte’s victory over Omaha.
Hosting two of the league’s top early season contenders, Charlotte dropped a close 2-1 contest against the table-topping Richmond Kickers on Monday before shocking reigning champion Union Omaha 2-1 in stoppage time on Saturday. After the go-ahead Omaha goal in Charlotte’s second match, the Independence flexed its offensive muscles, scoring twice in the final ten minutes. The equalizer came from a combination of a beautiful Miguel Ibarra cross and tough Iván Luquetta headed finish in the 83rd minute. Finally, Khori Bennett earned his first professional goal – the match-winning strike – forcing a ball over the line in stoppage time.
“I’m very proud of the team for showing a lot of heart and character, especially coming back from a goal down again,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries after the victory over Omaha. “We’ve managed to keep ourselves in games and find ways to get an equalizer and get a result. I’m really proud of the guys.”
In addition to Charlotte’s trio of placements on the Team of the Week, Richmond and Greenville see two players earn the weekly honor following a pair of respective victories. Additionally, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Central Valley Fuego FC, Union Omaha and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC all recorded one player on the list.
GK – Akira Fitzgerald, Richmond Kickers: In the Kickers’ early week victory over the Independence, Fitzgerald recorded six saves and limited the Charlotte attack to just one goal.
D – Shalom Dutey, Charlotte Independence: Scoring his third goal of the season and second in league play, Dutey added five…