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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Uzo and Arteaga Named to Team of the Week

April 4, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 4 of the 2023 regular season today, with Phoenix Rising FC's Henry "Uzo" Uzochukwu and Manuel Arteaga being honored for their efforts in the team's 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, April 1.

Uzo recorded one assist and three chances created while Arteaga scored twice, completed 16 of 20 passes and won two of three aerial duels in front of a franchise record 10,437 fans.

Rising's next regular season opponent, Birmingham Legion FC had forward Neco Brett voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball. Brett also recorded a two-goal performance. His brace led his side to a 2-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 1 at Al Lang Stadium.

Returning to Birmingham this season, Legion FC's all-time goalscoring leader produced an impressive all-around display in his second start of the season. Brett opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a header from eight yards and then capped the victory with seven minutes to go as he recorded three shots on target for the game. The pair of goals moved the Jamaican into a tie for fifth all-time in regular season goals in the USL Championship's history, moving him even with retired Colombian forward Jorge Herrera on 72 goals for his career, while also giving Brett three goals and one assist so far this season.

Brett earned 36 percent of the ballot to claim the award. San Antonio FC's Connor Maloney and Phoenix Rising FC's Manuel Arteaga finished tied for second on 21 percent as Maloney recorded a pair of assists and went eight of eight in duels in SAFC's 2-1 win at Monterey Bay F.C.

The Championship's Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

USL Championship Team of the Week - Week 4

GK - Christian Herrera, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Herrera posted a seven-save shutout as the Switchbacks took a 1-0 victory against Loudoun United FC, including four saves on shots inside the penalty area, for his first shutout of the season.

D - Brett Levis, FC Tulsa: Levis had a stellar pair of defensive outings, winning 9 of 12 tackles, 26 of 34 duels and 7 of 9 aerial duels while completing 102 of 122 passes in Tulsa's contests against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and El Paso Locomotive FC.

D - Jack Gurr, Sacramento Republic FC: Gurr scored once and won a penalty kick while defensively he won 9 of 12 duels and 2 of 3 tackles in Sacramento's 5-0 victory against Louisville City FC.

D - Matt Sheldon, Hartford Athletic: Sheldon had a solid all-around performance in Hartford's 1-1 draw with Orange County SC, recording three chances created and completing 40 of 50 passes while completing 6 of 7 dribbles and winning 10 of 12 duels.

M - Connor Maloney, San Antonio FC: Maloney recorded assists on both of San Antonio's goals as it took a 2-1 victory against Monterey Bay F.C. while winning 8 of 8 duels and 5 of 6 tackles defensively and making 11 recoveries.

M - Aaron Molloy, Memphis 901 FC: Molloy helped set the tempo as Memphis earned a 1-1 draw at Miami FC, completing 80 of 86 passes - including 8 of 9 long passes - and recording four chances created while making five interceptions and nine recoveries defensively.

M - Taylor Davila, Rio Grande Valley FC: Davila continued his good start with his new club as he scored the game-winning goal in the Toros' 1-0 victory against Detroit City FC while also making 14 recoveries and winning 2 of 3 tackles defensively.

M - Henry Uzochukwu, Phoenix Rising FC: The Nigerian recorded one assist and three chances created in Rising FC's 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal SC while winning 4 of 7 tackles and 10 of 14 duels defensively.

F - Russell Cicerone, Sacramento Republic FC: Cicerone scored a pair of goals and had five shots overall in Sacramento's 5-0 victory against Louisville City FC while also winning 2 of 3 aerial duels and completing 11 of 15 passes.

F - Neco Brett, Birmingham Legion FC: The Jamaican scored both goals as Legion FC took a 2-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies while putting all three of his unblocked shots on target and winning 4 of 6 duels.

F - Manuel Arteaga, Phoenix Rising FC: The Venezuelan notched both goals as Phoenix opened its new home with a 2-2 draw against San Diego Loyal SC while completing 16 of 20 passes and winning 2 of 3 aerial duels.

Bench: Tyler Deric (RGV), Matt Mahoney (COS), Frank Nodarse (RGV), Marcus Epps (TUL), Deshane Beckford (COS), Luis Solignac (ELP), Milan Iloski (OC)

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