NASL Minnesota United FC

Rayo OKC Midfielder Michel Named NASL Player of the Week

Published on October 18, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Rayo OKC Midfielder Michel Named NASL Player of the Week
Rayo OKC Midfielder Michel Named NASL Player of the Week
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NEW YORK - With a pair of wins in Week 16 of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season, Rayo OKC joined Minnesota United in the driver's seat of the postseason race. Playing a key role in last week's victories was midfielder Michel, who has been named NASL Player of the Week after scoring three goals in the club's two games. The 35-year-old Brazilian blasted home the winner in Rayo's 1-0 triumph over the Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday night. He then found the back of the net twice in the club's 3-1 win over Ottawa Fury FC at Miller Stadium on Sunday night. "It feels great to be recognized," Michel said. "I'm in one of the best moments of my career so far. Every time I step on the field, I try to do my best and I know that God is blessing me." Rayo's road win at Carolina kicked off its banner week, and for the better part of the game, it looked destined to end as a scoreless draw. That's when Michel stepped in with a clinical finish following a touch from teammate Richard Menjivar. The goal, which was rifled into the roof of the net from about eight yards out, came in the 82nd minute. In front of the home fans on Sunday, Michel pulled Rayo level in the 36th minute, calmly sliding a pass from defender Futty Danso into the back of the net. Later, with Rayo up a goal, the 6-foot-2 midfielder fired home his second tally of the game to give his side a 3-1 lead. The goal came on the heels of some fancy footwork from forward Billy Forbes. "Michel is fully deserving of this week's honor," said Rayo head coach Gerard Nus. "He's one of the best captains that any team can have, and his professionalism is an inspiration to those around him." The pair of results vaulted Rayo into a tie, on points, with Minnesota United for fourth place in the Combined Standings - the position that will end up sending a club to The Championship, the league's four-team postseason tournament, at season's end. For now, Minnesota holds the advantage when it comes to the tiebreaker - goal differential - but there are still two games to be played and Rayo is red hot. The club has won its last three games, and hasn't lost in its last eight overall. For Michel, his recent goal-scoring form has put him back in the hunt for the NASL Golden Boot, the annual honor that goes to the league's top scorer. The Vitoria, Brazil, native has bagged 14 goals this year - the same total as Indy Eleven's Eamon Zayed and the New York Cosmos' Juan Arango. The trio is chasing Minnesota's Christian Ramirez, who now sits on 18 goals after scoring twice over the weekend. Michel signed with Rayo prior to the 2016 season after spending three years with FC Dallas. Prior to playing in MLS, the left-footed midfielder plied his trade for various top-flight clubs in Greece, Brazil, and Belgium. Rayo now travels to Fort Lauderdale for a huge clash with the Strikers on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen live on ESPN3 (U.S.) and NASL.com (Canada).
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Rayo OKC Midfielder Michel Named NASL Player of the Week
Rayo OKC Midfielder Michel Named NASL Player of the Week
   



North American Soccer League Stories from October 18, 2016


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