USL Orange County SC

Blues' Garcia, Dike Named to Team of the Week

Published on May 17, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - USL PRO has announced its Team of the Week for the sixth week of the 2012 season, honoring Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Kristian Nicht as Player of the Week after he extended his shutout streak to six games with an outstanding ten-save performance against the Charleston Battery on Saturday.

Blues defender Erlys Garcia was selected to the team for a pair of solid performances, as the Fullerton-based side shut out both Dayton and Pittsburgh for back-to-back road wins, catapulting themselves to fourth place in the standings. Recent Blues addition Bright Dike also earned a spot after making an immediate impact in the two matches. The on-loan Portland Timber was a handful in both contests and had a goal and an assist in Saturday's 3-0 win at Pittsburgh .

Head Coach Charlie Naimo very nearly saw two more of his men selected to the team, with Allan Russell and Matt Fondy receiving honorable mention after each scoring once over the two-game stretch.

Rochester shot-stopper Nicht has yet to concede a goal, as the Rhinos have tied the USL PRO record with six consecutive victories to start a season. He had a remarkable showing against the Battery, who amassed a 20-2 advantage in shots but were denied by the 30-year-old German time and time again, Nicht's teammate Danny Earls scoring the game's only goal of the match after the break.

Joining Nicht on the Team of the Week is former Rhino Troy Roberts, who put in a stellar performance in the 1-0 victory over the Charlotte Eagles the previous night. Roberts helped his goalkeeper maintain the shutout streak by making three goal-line clearances while marshalling the defense in impressive fashion.

Orlando City 's Wes Allen, Maxwell Griffin and John Rooney earned selections as well. Allen had his first professional goal and played the full 90 minutes in both of the Lions' victories against Antigua Barracuda FC, while Griffin scored once and played a key role in Friday's game-winner. Rooney assisted on Griffin 's game-tying goal as Orlando rallied to victory on Sunday.

Chris Agorsor also had his first tally in the professional game, as the Kickers played the Harrisburg City Islanders to a 2-2 draw on Saturday night. He is joined on the team by City Islanders midfielder J.T. Noone, who had a goal and an assist to continue his strong start to the season.

USL PRO Team of the Week

Pos Player Team Highlights

GK Kristian Nicht Rochester Was outstanding in 10-save shutout to maintain Rhinos' perfect start

D Erlys Garcia Blues Composed at the back as the Blues recorded back-to-back road shutouts

D Wes Allen Orlando Scored his first professional goal as the Lions took two wins in Antigua

D Troy Roberts Rochester Remarkably consistent, key player in win against Charlotte

D John Wilson Charleston Marauding runs allowed Charleston to keep Rhinos under constant pressure

M J.T. Noone Harrisburg Had a goal and assist as City Islanders rallied twice for point in Richmond

M Kyle Knotek Dayton Was effective in midfield as Dutch Lions put up a fight against the Blues

M John Rooney Orlando Had assist and controlled midfield as Lions earned win on Sunday

F Bright Dike Blues Two outstanding performances helped Blues pick up consecutive victories

F Chris Agorsor Richmond Pair of goals led Hammerheads to convincing win over Antigua

F Max Griffin Orlando Played key role in game-winner on Friday, added first goal of season Sunday

Honorable Mention - Antigua : Stefan Smith; Charleston : Sallieu Bundu, Tony Donatelli; Charlotte: Josh Rife, Jorge Herrera; Dayton : Matt Williams; Harrisburg : Yann Ekra; Blues: Matt Fondy, Allan Russell; Richmond : Matt Delicâte; Rochester : Danny Earls.

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