TAMPA, Fla. - USL League One announced on Monday the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 18 of the 2021 regular season, with New England Revolution II forward Damian Rivera named Player of the Week after scoring against North Carolina FC, part of all-action performance which propelled his side to a 3-0 win on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
Rivera scored New England’s opening goal in some style, weaving through defenders before firing a precise low strike to the near post. He also led all players in the match with 12 of 17 duels won, completed eight dribbles, and made two tackles.
The Revolution II’s dominant win sees the side lead all clubs with four players represented in this week’s Team of the Week.
GK - Joe Rice, New England Revolution II:
Rice continued his excellent run of form this season, making three saves against NCFC to earn his joint-league-leading fifth shutout of the year thus far.
D - Kobe Franklin, Toronto FC II:
In TFC II’s 2-1 win against Richmond on Friday, Franklin created four chances, won 7 of 9 duels, and successfully completed five dribbles.
D - Ryan Spaulding, New England Revolution II:
Spaulding has been a fixture in Teams of the Week recently, and after his performance Thursday night, it’s easy to see why. He was unlucky to hit the woodwork not once, but twice in spectacular fashion. Spaulding also created three chances and won 6 of 8 duels.
D - Luca Petrasso, Toronto FC II:
Petrasso picked up a gorgeous assist on a clever backheel flick to teammate Antonio Carlini. He passed at an 89 percent success rate against Richmond, won 4 of 6 duels and made five recoveries.
M - Luca Mayr, South Georgia Tormenta FC:
Mayr scored Tormenta’s opener in its invaluable 3-1 win over Greenville Triumph SC, his fifth goal contribution in four games against that opponent this season. He also completed a game-high four dribbles and won 8 of 13 duels.
M - Kazu, North Texas SC:
Kazu netted his fourth goal in his last five games in North Texas’ 2-0 away win over FC Tucson, and contributed to the team’s shutout defensive effort as well.
M - Antonio Carlini, Toronto FC II:
Carlini scored a top-class goal for TFC II against the Kickers, which would prove to be the match-winner in the end. He completed 36 of his 40 passes in the game and created one chance as well.
M - Stefan Mueller, South Georgia Tormenta FC:
Mueller scored Tormenta’s second goal in its road victory against Greenville, won 5 of 6 duels and made two tackles.
F - Edward Kizza, New England Revolution II:
Kizza scored twice in the second half of the Revolution II’s Thursday night romp over NCFC, and created two chances to boot.
F - Damian Rivera, New England Revolution II:
In addition to his goal, Rivera passed at an 88 percent success rate, created a chance, and registered six total shots in New England’s big win.
