October 17, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the Team of the Week for Week 29 of the 2022 regular season with Charlotte Independence midfielder Gabriel Obertan named Player of the Week. Featuring the fifth brace of his illustrious career, Obertan propelled the Jacks to a third consecutive postseason berth in a 5-1 thrashing of rival NCFC.
“I think it was all about the spirit, the mindset today because we knew it was a win-or-go-home situation,” Obertan said. “It was a team effort, it could’ve been 1-0, but it was 5-1, it didn’t matter. We just wanted to go through.”
Following a scoreless first 35 minutes, Obertan assisted Chris Hegardt in a perfect give-and-go play to open the scoring in a must-win match for the Jacks. From there, it was all Charlotte as Obertan scored the next two goals from nearly the exact same right-hand side of the penalty area in the 40th and 54th minute, respectively.
“We showed up and played well,” Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “I’m proud of the guys for coming out with good intensity and good concentration. They stepped up their game tonight for sure. It’s nice to get a win, get in the playoffs and give ourselves a chance.”
Charlotte’s 5-1 victory fittingly sees the first-year League One side place five on the Team of the Week. A 2-0 victory over Omaha earns Central Valley a pair of spots, and Greenville, Madison, Omaha and South Georgia each place one player on the list.
GK – Adrían Zendejas, Charlotte Independence: While facing the highest expected goals against mark in Week 29, Zendejas racked up a league-high six saves to help Charlotte lock up its third consecutive postseason appearance and first in League One.
D – Clay Dimick, Charlotte Independence: With a league-high passing score in Week 29 according to American Soccer Analysis, Dimick completed 48 of 49 passes to complement seven recoveries and three chances created.
D – Shalom Dutey, Charlotte Independence: Dutey assisted Obertan’s second goal in Charlotte’s 5-1 dismantling of NCFC. The defender helped limit the opposition to just one goal and won 100% of his tackles.
D – Evan Lee, Greenville Triumph SC: Lee assisted Alexandre Cox-Ashwood late equalizer in Richmond to help Greenville secure a first-round playoff bye. The defender won 100% of his duels and reeled in six recoveries in the low-scoring draw.
D – Cyrus Rad: Forward Madison FC: Rad assisted Madison’s lone goal in its final regular…