March 28, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the Team of the Week for Week 2 of the 2023 regular season with Richmond Kickers midfielder Nil Vinyals named Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after helping his team remain undefeated by assisting Richmond’s match-winning score.
Earning the fourth Player of the Week honor of his career, the League One veteran proved vital to Richmond’s 1-0 victory in Greenville with his assist on Kharlton Belmar’s 12th-minute match-winner. Vinyals proved nearly impossible to contain throughout the contest, completing 100% of his dribbles, creating a quartet of chances and winning a week-high five fouls. The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder added to his impressive outing with an 82% passing completion rate and 67% long-ball completion rate.
The Independence lead the way with their three Team of the Week and two Team of the Week Bench selections following a resounding victory in Statesboro, while Madison and Richmond place a pair on the Team of the Week, respectively. All eight teams in action see players placed on the Team of the Week or the Team of the Week Bench.
GK – Carlos Avilez, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Avilez set a personal and club record with his eight saves against Northern Colorado on Saturday, helping Chattanooga start the Ziggy Korytoski era off with a point and a clean sheet.
D – Clay Dimick, Charlotte Independence: Dimick led the league with his eight tackles and five tackles won while also winning 12 of his 13 duels in Charlotte’s 3-1 victory over South Georgia.
D – Shalom Dutey, Charlotte Independence: Dutey recorded Charlotte’s match-winning goal in the 60th minute, adding to his five clearances and three recoveries in Charlotte’s Week 2 victory.
D – Joel Johnson, Charlotte Independence: The third Charlotte defender recognized on the Team of the Week, Johnson completed 85% of his passes, reeled in five recoveries and won three of his five total duels in Charlotte’s dominant victory over South Georgia.
D – Arthur Rogers, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC: The ultra-productive 2022 League One Defender of the Year began his 2023 campaign with a week-high five chances created and four successful crosses in the Hailstorm’s scoreless draw in Chattanooga. According to American Soccer Analysis, Rogers maintained the highest passing score on the week.
M – Derek Gebhard, Forward Madison FC: The veteran winger assisted Christian Chaney’s…