TEAM OF THE WEEK | Spring Season Week 2

Week 2 of the Spring Season had one common theme: goals. Three teams found the back of the net three times during the course of the weekend led by Justin Braun's two-goal effort for Indy Eleven. Dylan Mares found the back of the net to kick-start Miami FC's big win, while J.C. Banks used a strong solo effort to score in Jacksonville Armada FC's season-opening win. 

Here's the full list of top performers from the weekend: 

GK: Trevor Spangenberg (Puerto Rico FC) – The shot-stopper made three saves, including a point-saving one for Puerto Rico FC in the match’s waning moments, in the 3-3 draw with Indy Eleven.

DEF: Hunter Freeman (Miami FC) – Playing against his former team, Freeman had a strong showing at center back. He won six of his seven duels, making two interceptions and clearances, as Miami won, 3-0, over the New York Cosmos.  

DEF: Abdoulaye Diakité (FC Edmonton) – The reigning NASL Young Player of the Year showcased why in his debut in 2017. He made eight interceptions, four clearances, and won two duels. The Eddies, though, fell to Jacksonville Armada FC, 1-0.  

DEF: Albert Watson (FC Edmonton) – The center back was strong in the Eddies defense, despite the loss. He won eight of nine duels, won three tackles, and made three clearances. He also made four interceptions.  

DEF: Robert Kcira (Miami FC) – He was kept busy by the Cosmos attack and stood up to the test. He won nine duels and made four clearances as well as three interceptions. He also completed 56 of his 62 passing attempts.

MID: Dylan Mares (Miami FC) – The midfielder opened the scoring in Miami’s big win in New York, striking a half-volley past goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. He was also tidy in possession, completing 42 of his 49 passes.

MID: J.C. Banks (Jacksonville Armada FC) – Banks was an attacking threat throughout the contest against FC Edmonton and he was eventually rewarded for it. He picked off the ball in midfield and showed sheer determination to score the lone goal in the match.  

MID: Ben Speas (Indy Eleven) – For a second week in a row, he played a key role in the Indy attack. Speas had the club’s second goal of the contest with a deft chip in the draw with Puerto Rico FC.

FWD: Justin Braun (Indy Eleven) – The forward was involved in all three of the Boys in Blue’s goals. He nodded in the opener before playing a lofted ball for Speas’ goal. He later equalized with a sweet half-volley to keep Indy’s home unbeaten streak alive, extending it to 19 games. He was also named Player of the Week for his performance.

FWD: Pito Ramos (Puerto Rico FC) – The Puerto Rican international showcased his strength on the club’s opening goal, holding off the Indy defense before laying the ball into the path of Conor Doyle for a goal. He then added one of his own, following up on his penalty kick that was saved by goalkeeper Jon Busch.

FWD: Stéfano Pinho (Miami FC) – He created problems for the Cosmos back line and would find a goal late in the match when he latched onto Mason Trafford’s long ball before rounding Maurer and planting his shot in an empty net.