TEAM OF THE MONTH | April
The first month of the NASL season is in the books and several players have stood out to earn an NASL Team of the Month nod. New York Cosmos goakeeper Jimmy Maurer has again been a steady presence for the club, while, at the other end of field, Miami FC's attack has shined, Miami and Jacksonville Armada FC had three selections apiece from their squads.
Continue below for April's Team of the Month:
GK: Jimmy Maurer (New York Cosmos) – The veteran shot-stopper is tied for the league lead in saves with 21 and for clean sheets with three. He also has the best save percentage in the league at 84 percent as well as having a 0.80 goals against average through the first month of the season.
DEF: Nana Attakora (San Francisco Deltas) – The Canadian international has been leading the Deltas back line. He has made 25 clearances, most on San Francisco, and has made 15 interceptions, which is third in the league.
DEF: Mechack Jérôme (Jacksonville Armada FC) – The Haitian international is off to a strong start for the unbeaten Armada FC. He’s made 27 clearances, fourth in the NASL, and 11 interceptions, which is second on Jacksonville, He has also won 13 aerials, which is third in the NASL. The center back has also been a part of three clean sheets.
DEF: Aaron Pitchkolan (Jacksonville Armada FC) – Moving to Jacksonville, the veteran has made a huge impact. He leads the league in clearances with 33 and has helped Jacksonville earn three clean sheets and the top spot in the NASL.
DEF: Robert Baggio Kcira (Miami FC) – Making a position switch, he has been impressive to start the year. No other player has touched the ball more (461) as he’s been an attacking threat from the fullback position, scoring one game-tying goal. He’s also won 11 of his 14 tackles and is second in duels won (37).
MID: Lance Laing (North Carolina FC) – The Jamaican international is getting back to his best in North Carolina. He has scored twice, including a screamer of a free kick against his former club, FC Edmonton, and has also added a pair of assists.
MID: J.C. Banks (Jacksonville Armada FC) – The midfielder has played a key role for Armada FC so far. He has scored twice, including a game-winning goal, in Jacksonville’s unbeaten start.
MID: Dylan Mares (Miami FC) – He has been a creative force and has the most chances created in the league with 15. He also has a goal and an assist to start the year.
FWD: Kwadwo Poku (Miami FC) – Much like his teammate, Poku has driven Miami forward, creating 14 chances. The Ghanaian international has also found the back of the net twice.
FWD: Pito Ramos (Puerto Rico FC) – The Puerto Rican international has been active up top for Puerto Rico. He has created 12 chances and has an assist to go along with two goals.
FWD: Justin Braun (Indy Eleven) – He has been a tireless worker for Indy and he’s been rewarded for it. Braun has a league-leading three goals and also has a league-tying two assists. He was also named Player of the Month for April.
