May 16, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2023 regular season on Tuesday, with Memphis 901 FC’s Luiz Fernando voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after scoring both goals – including a spectacular late winner – to lead 10-player 901 FC to a 2-1 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Currently in his second season with Memphis, the Brazilian winger put 901 FC on top in the ninth minute at AutoZone Park on Saturday night as he shortened his run into the penalty area to create space for Nighte Pickering to pick him out with a low cross for a first-time finish. Fernando remained active throughout the game, even after the hosts were reduced to 10 players in the 31st minute, ending the night with three shots and four chances created, and in the 88th minute he delivered victory for his side with a brilliant lobbed finish from 25 yards after getting in behind the Switchbacks’ back line.
Fernando earned 33 percent of the ballot to claim the award. The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ JJ Williams finished second on 28 percent after recording a hat trick and one assist in his side’s 5-1 victory against Detroit City FC at Al Lang Stadium.
The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 10
GK – Benny Diaz, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Mexican shot-stopper posted a five-save shutout as El Paso claimed its fifth consecutive victory in a late 1-0 win against Loudoun United FC at Southwest University Park.
D – Fabien Garcia, San Antonio FC: The French center back scored once and had a solid defensive display in SAFC’s 7-0 victory against the Charleston Battery, recording seven clearances, eight recoveries and winning 2 of 3 tackles.
D – Alejandro Fuenmayor, Phoenix Rising FC: The Venezuelan center back was strong in possession and defensively in his side’s 3-1 win against Hartford Athletic, completing 67 of 72 passes and winning 4 of 4 tackles and 4 of 5 duels while making eight clearances.
D – Sean Totsch, Louisville City FC: The three-time All-League First Team selection iced LouCity’s 3-1 victory against Miami FC from the penalty spot and completed 64 of 69 passes while recording five recoveries defensively at Lynn Family Stadium.
M – Ricky Ruiz, Rio…