Battery’s Markanich, Barajas Earn Team of the Week Honors

March 28, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The USL Championship announced Tuesday that Battery forwards Nick Markanich and Fidel Barajas were named to the league’s Week 3 Team of the Week. The duo put in dominant performances during the Battery’s 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday.

Markanich recorded one goal and one assist, his firsts with the club. The 23-year-old assisted Barajas’ early goal after leading a counterattack that set the tone for the night. Markanich’s goal came just before the hour-mark and was the final dagger that secured the victory. He additionally registered seven duels won, five recoveries, two dribbles and 84% passing accuracy.

Barajas had a similarly strong night with one goal and one assist. The 16-year-old’s goal was a sensational curler from the edge of the box and was the first of his professional career. He later assisted Markanich after beating two Tampa Bay defenders to find Nick before the goal. He also contributed two chances created, three duels won and two recoveries.

Ben Pirmann congratulated the two for the honors.

“We are very excited for Nick and Fidel to be honored with their selections, they are selfless players that work hard for the club and their teammates,” said Coach Pirmann. “Any time individuals earn an honor, it is indicative of the team’s performance. We want our players to be hungry for honors and recognition, as we know they will earn them when the team is progressing well.”

The team will look to build upon the success of the victory over Tampa Bay ahead of the next league contest, on Saturday, April 8 against Hartford Athletic at Patriots Point. Tickets for the match are available now via SeatGeek.com, the Battery’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 3

GK – Jordan Farr, San Antonio FC

D – Alex Villanueva, Orange County SC

D – Bryam Rebellon, Indy Eleven

D – Marc Navarro, El Paso Locomotive FC

M – Taylor Davila, Rio Grande Valley FC

M – Blaine Ferri, FC Tulsa

M – Luis Felipe Fernandes, Sacramento Republic FC

F – Nick Markanich, Charleston Battery

F – Fidel Barajas, Charleston Battery

F – Marcus Epps, FC Tulsa

F – Milan Iloski, Orange County SC

Bench: Benny Diaz (ELP), Adrian Diz Pe (IND), Patrick Hogan (PIT), Jose Francisco Torres (RGV), Mohammed Abu (SA), Matthew Corcoran (BHM), Milo Yosef (TUL)

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