Orlando's Rooney Named USL PRO Player of the Week
Published on April 18, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - USL PRO has announced its Team of the Week for the second week of the 2012 season, honoring Orlando City forward John Rooney as Player of the Week after he scored a pair of goals and added an assist to lead his side to a 4-1 victory over the Wilmington Hammerheads on Sunday evening.
Rooney was instrumental in the defending USL PRO champions' victory, as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 9th minute and bagged a second with a fine low volley from 12 yards out in the 41st minute to double the Lions' lead. He then turned supplier in the 54th minute, his in-swinging corner from the left being met by Rob Valentino for the third goal.
The Blues' Ricky Waddell narrowly missed out on a selection to the USL PRO Team of the Week, receiving honorable mention for his impressive performance anchoring the midfield in his side's 1-0 loss to traditional power Rochester Rhinos on Saturday.
Orlando City 's Valentino and Kevin Molino did earn spots on the team, with the Trinidad and Tobago international Molino registering a pair of assists on Rooney's 41st-minute goal and Dennis Chin's second-half tally.
The Rochester Rhinos also had three players selected to the team, with goalkeeper Kristian Nicht looking sharp in the road win over the Blues and Tyler Rosenlund being rewarded for scoring the game-winning goal. The duo is joined by Tam McManus, who started the move that led to Rosenlund's strike and proved a pivotal figure in the Rhinos' attack throughout game.
Meanwhile, Richmond 's Sascha Goerres was named to the team after his late goal gave the Kickers victory against the Charleston Battery, while Wilmington 's Bryce Taylor scored on his professional debut against Orlando . Nicki Paterson earned a selection for his fine effort that gave Charleston an early lead against Richmond, and defenders Mettin Copier of Dayton and Cheyne Roberts of Charlotte both got the nod after playing key roles in the two sides' scoreless draw.
USL PRO Team of the Week
Pos Player Team Highlights
GK Kristian Nicht Rochester Was sharp in his first game in North American, recording a shutout
D Rob Valentino Orlando Had a solid game defensively and added the Lions' third goal
D Sascha Goerres Richmond 90th-minute goal gave Kickers first win of the season
D Mettin Copier Dayton Strong center back helped keep Charlotte 's offense in check
D Cheyne Roberts Charlotte Had a solid display to help the Eagles earn their first point
M Bryce Taylor Wilmington Scored on his professional debut for the Hammerheads
M Kevin Molino Orlando Proved continually dangerous, and recorded pair of assists
M Nicki Paterson Charleston Scored well-taken goal to put Battery on top early
M Tyler Rosenlund Rochester Well-placed header earned Rhinos victory over Blues
F John Rooney Orlando Had a pair of goals and added an assist in standout performance
F Tam McManus Rochester Linked up well with midfield and started move that led to goal
Honorable Mention - Charleston : Amadou Sanyang, John Wilson; Charlotte: Milton Blanco; Dayton : Joel DeLass, Akeem Priestly; Blues: Ricky Waddell; Orlando: Dennis Chin; Richmond : Matt Delicate, Gerson Dos Santos ; Rochester : J.C. Banks, Troy Roberts.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 18, 2012
- Orlando's Rooney Named USL PRO Player of the Week - USL
- Eagles Seek First Win Against Harrisburg Friday Night - Charlotte Eagles
- Battery Jersey Auction Raises $1,770 for Betsy McAdams Memorial Endowment - Charleston Battery
- Kickers Host Champions Saturday - Richmond Kickers
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