June 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 14 of the 2022 regular season on Tuesday, with Legion FC defender Jake Rufe earning a spot on the team for his strong defensive performance in last week’s win and shutout over rivals Memphis 901 FC at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
Rufe helped anchor a Legion FC backline that ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night. The Alabama native recorded three interceptions, six clearances and 10 recoveries while winning 7 of 11 duels versus the local rivals and has started and played the full 90 minutes in Birmingham’s last three games, all wins. This TOTW honor is the first of Rufe’s young career.
Atlanta United 2’s Raimar bagged both goals in the team’s 2-0 win over Loudoun United last week to earn 47 percent of the Player of the Week vote. San Antonio FC’s PC finished second on 27 percent after an impressive midfield display that saw him record a pair of assists in SAFC’s 3-2 victory on the road against Monterey Bay FC.
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 14
GK – Evan Newton, El Paso Locomotive FC: Newton posted his 55th regular-season shutout in the Championship with stellar three-save performance that earned El Paso its first victory in club history against Phoenix Rising FC in a 1-0 win at Wild Horse Pass.
D – Jake Rufe, Birmingham Legion FC: Rufe had a strong defensive display as Legion FC ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night, recording three interceptions, six clearances and 10 recoveries while winning 7 of 11 duels.
D – Matt Mahoney, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Mahoney notched one assist and three key passes while completing 57 of 63 passes overall and recording three interceptions in the Switchbacks’ 3-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II.
D – Lee Desmond, Sacramento Republic FC: The Irish center back put in a strong shift as Republic FC handed Detroit City FC its first home loss of the season, winning 10 of 16 duels and 8 of 10 aerial duels while making five interceptions and seven recoveries.
M – Raimar, Atlanta United 2: The Brazilian recorded both goals as Atlanta took its first win since April with a 2-0 victory against Loudoun…