United Soccer Leagues announced the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 13 of the 2011 season today, honoring Harrisburg City Islanders midfielder Andrew Welker as Player of the Week after he scored in both of the club’s games in Los Angeles last weekend, helping the City Islanders take four of six points and move into second place in the USL PRO National Division.
With his side reduced to 10 men on Friday night, Welker gave Harrisburg the lead in the 53rd minute as it earned a 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Blues. Welker then had what proved to be the game-winning goal in Sunday’s encounter, firing home after a good piece of work from fellow Team of the Week honoree Sainey Touray.
The Charlotte Eagles continued their strong run of form in league play and saw both goalkeeper Eric Reed and forward Sallieu Bundu named to the Team of the Week after their strong performances in a 2-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Reed saved a penalty on his way to a sixth shutout of the season on Friday night, while Bundu added another pair of goals as he moved into a tie for fifth in the league in goals.
The Riverhounds’ Shintaro Harada was also honored as he found the back of the net in his side’s 2-0 win against Charleston on Saturday night. The victory ended the Riverhounds’ seven-game winless streak and moved them back into contention for the final playoff place in the National Division.
Orlando City’s Devorn Jorsling and Rob Valentino were selected after the Lions became the first side this season to take six points from a trip to Antigua. Jorsling scored both goals for the Lions in their 2-1 victory on Sunday evening, while Valentino was strong all weekend at the center of defense as Orlando held Antigua’s leading scorer Stefan Smith goalless.
USL PRO Team of the Week
Pos Player Team Highlights
GK Eric Reed Charlotte Saved a penalty as he earned his sixth shutout of the season
D Yomby William Richmond Was strong at the center of Kickers’ defense in shutout of New York
D Rob Valentino Orlando Big center back was solid as Lions took pair of victories in Antigua
D Colin Falvey Charleston Played key role in shutting out Wilmington at home for first time this season
M JC Banks Rochester Scored game-winning goal in late victory against Dutch Lions
M Andrew Welker Harrisburg Had a goal in both games of weekend as City Islanders took draw, win
M Shintaro Harada Pittsburgh Played key role, scored goal, as Riverhounds ended seven-game winless run
M Josh Tudela Los Angeles Had game-tying goal for Blues on Friday against City Islanders
F Sallieu Bundu Charlotte Scored twice as Eagles extended USL PRO undefeated streak to seven
F Sainey Touray Harrisburg Had a goal and assist in City Islanders 2-1 win against Los Angeles
F Devorn Jorsling Orlando Scored both goals as Lions capped six-point weekend with 2-1 victory
Honorable Mention: Antigua – Ranja Christian; Charleston – Dane Kelly, Seedy Bah; Charlotte – Diego Martins; Dayton – Kolby LaCrone; Harrisburg – Andrew Marshall, Anthony Calvano; Los Angeles – Israel Sesay, Nelson Akwari; New York – Steven Diaz, Quame Holder; Orlando – Luke Boden, Max Griffin; Pittsburgh – Matt Tuttle; Richmond – Edson Elcock; Rochester – Neal Kitson; Wilmington – Luke Mulholland.