TEAM OF THE WEEK | Spring Season Week 5
Jacksonville Armada FC held onto its top spot in the league with impressive performances from J.C. Banks and Aaron Pitchkolan. Also earning praise for their performances was North Carolina FC goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre while a pair of midfielders – Dustin Corea and Dean Shiels – made key contributions in FC Edmonton’s first win of the year.
Read below to see the full NASL Team of the Week for Week 5:
GK: Brian Sylvestre (North Carolina FC) – The former U.S. youth international put on a stunning display, making eight key saves as North Carolina FC took a point in the 1-1 draw with Miami FC. Sylvestre’s effort earned him NASL Player of the Week.
DEF: Nana Attakora (San Francisco Deltas) – The Canadian international helped the Deltas earn a point in the 0-0 draw against Indy Eleven. Attakora made seven clearances and won both of his tackles and two duels in the contest. He also made two interceptions.
DEF: Colin Falvey (Indy Eleven) – Indy’s captain stood up to the task of battling forward Tom Heinemann and made four clearances. He also won all three of his duels in helping keep a shutout for Indy.
DEF: Aaron Pitchkolan (Jacksonville Armada FC) – The veteran’s strong play continued in the 1-1 draw with the New York Cosmos. He made 13 clearances and won six of his seven duels. He also made two interceptions in the match.
DEF: Robert Baggio Kcira (Miami FC) – The young defender scored the game-tying goal in the 95th minute to earn Miami a point. He also won eight of his 10 duels and all three of his tackle attempts.
MID: Dustin Corea (FC Edmonton) – The Salvadoran international opened the scoring in the Eddies’ 2-1 win over Puerto Rico FC and later assisted on Dean Shiels’ tally.
MID: J.C. Banks (Jacksonville Armada FC) – He scored the game-tying goal for Jacksonville, which kept the club unbeaten and in first in the Spring Season Standings.
MID: Javi Márquez (New York Cosmos) – The veteran midfielder found the back of the net in the draw with Jacksonville and also created one chance.
MID: Lance Laing (North Carolina FC) – The Jamaican international fired home a Tiyi Shipalane cross at the back post, which helped North Carolina earn a point on the road.
MID: Dean Shiels (FC Edmonton) – He scored FC Edmonton’s second goal, which ended up as the game winner and had a strong all-around match. He created two chances, completed 42 of his 49 passes, and won five of his seven duels.
FWD: Vincenzo Rennella (Miami FC) – He was active all game long, testing North Carolina shot-stopper Brian Sylvestre with three shots on target and creating two chances. One of those chances was the assist on the tying goal when Robert Baggio Kcira found the back of the net.
