TEAM OF THE WEEK | Fall Season Week 13
The Tampa Bay Rowdies were facing their biggest rival, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and longtime forward Georgi Hristov delivered an unforgettable performance to bolster his side's postseason chances. Indy Eleven forward Justin Braun also provided an important performance to move the Boys in Blue closer to catching the New York Cosmos at the top of the Fall Season and Combined Standings. Puerto Rico FC goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg dampened Miami FC's postseason hopes with strong play and several top-notch saves. All three players earned a place on the NASL Team of the Week.
The full list of top performers from Week 13 is below:
GK: Trevor Spangenberg (Puerto Rico FC) – The shot-stopper made six saves to keep a clean sheet as Puerto Rico FC earned its first road victory in a 1-0 win over Miami FC.
DEF: Cristiano Dias (Puerto Rico FC) – He was a vital part of Puerto Rico keeping Miami off the scoresheet in the win. Dias made six clearances, three interceptions, and won four of his five duels.
DEF: Connor Tobin (Carolina RailHawks) – The defender helped keep visiting FC Edmonton off the scoreboard in a key 1-0 win, while making six clearances, two interceptions, and winning three duels.
DEF: Marco Franco (Indy Eleven) – He helped Indy earn a clean sheet against the New York Cosmos in an important 3-0 win. Franco made three interceptions and won six duels as he played a role in limiting New York's attack.
MID: Austin da Luz (Carolina RailHawks) – The midfielder scored the only goal of the game to lift the Carolina RailHawks to an important win.
MID: Dylan Mares (Indy Eleven) – He picked up an assist on Indy’s second goal and then scored one himself to cap off a commanding performance in the win over the Cosmos.
MID: Georgi Hristov (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – He made his 100th NASL regular-season appearance and made it an even more special night by scoring the first hat trick in the modern era of the Rowdies. His goals helped Tampa Bay knock off its main rival, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, in a 4-1 victory. He was named the NASL Player of the Week for his efforts.
MID: Michel (Rayo OKC) – The midfielder scored the game-tying goal from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw with Jacksonville Armada FC. Michel also created four chances during the course of the game and was active throughout his 90 minutes of action.
FWD: Ryan Williams (Ottawa Fury FC) – He scored the eventual game-winning goal as Ottawa came from behind to defeat Minnesota United, 3-1.
FWD: Justin Braun (Indy Eleven) – The forward set the tone with a first-half goal and then added an assist on the side’s third goal to help power Indy past New York.
FWD: Charles Eloundou (Jacksonville Armada FC) – He scored Jacksonville’s goal, on a strong individual effort, and was dangerous throughout the club’s draw.
