TEAM OF THE WEEK | Spring Season Week 8

Miami FC, New York Cosmos, and North Carolina FC all flashed attacking muscle in Week 6, scoring at least three goals in their games – New York scored four times. All three clubs were heavily rewarded for their goalscoring exploits, and victories, earning three players apiece on the Team of the Week,

See below for the top performers from Week 8: 

GK: Brian Sylvestre (North Carolina FC) – The young shot-stopper continued to impress, making three saves in North Carolina FC’s 3-1 win against previously unbeaten Jacksonville Armada FC. He was only beaten by a penalty-kick attempt in the first half by Jack Blake.

DEF: Robert Baggio Kcira (Miami FC) – The converted fullback was sensational once again, scoring his second goal of the year in Miami FC’s 3-2 win to end Indy Eleven’s unbeaten run. Kcira also created two chances and completed 40 of his 46 passes. He also made two clearances and won four duels.

DEF: Steven Miller (North Carolina FC) – He had a strong game at the back for North Carolina FC, winning all four of his tackles and seven of his 10 duels, in the victory.

DEF: Ryan Richter (New York Cosmos) – He scored one of the Cosmos’ four goals in the 4-3 victory over Puerto Rico FC. The defender also won four of his five duels and also made three clearances and three interceptions in the victory.

DEF: Kenny Teijsse (San Francisco Deltas) – The young fullback impressed once more for the Deltas as San Francisco kept a clean sheet against FC Edmonton. He made seven interceptions and three clearances as well as winning three of his four duels.

MID: Lance Laing (North Carolina FC) – The Jamaican international shined again, adding another two goals in the win over Jacksonville Armada FC. He also drew the penalty that he went on to convert in the win. The dynamic performance also earned him Player of the Week honors.

MID: Emmanuel Ledesma (New York Cosmos) – The veteran midfielder led the Cosmos’ comeback with a pair of assists in the first half. In total, he created five chances for New York in the win over Puerto Rico FC.

MID: Dylan Mares (Miami FC) – The former Indy Eleven midfielder scored against his former side and also provided a strong overall performance. He created two chances and won all four of his tackles and seven duels.

FWD: Vincenzo Rennella (Miami FC) – The veteran forward was active throughout the contest and was rewarded for it. He picked up his second goal of the year as well as his third assist.

FWD: Emery Welshman (Puerto Rico FC) – Slotting into the starting lineup in recent weeks, the Guyana international assisted Puerto Rico’s opening goal with a nice lay-off into the path of Giuseppe Gentile. He then scored a goal of his own two minutes later. His efforts, though, couldn’t prevent the loss to New York.

FWD: Walter Restrepo (New York Cosmos) – Leading the line for the Cosmos, he scored the eventual game-winning goal in the second half to defeat Puerto Rico FC.