TAMPA, Fla. – Reno 1868 FC midfielder Lindo Mfeka has been voted the United Soccer League player of the week.
Mfeka recorded four goals and one assist to help Reno take a pair of victories during the week. Mfeka’s haul included a hat-trick against OKC Energy FC last Wednesday night that saw Reno clinch its place in the USL Cup Playoffs and set a USL season record for goals.
Mfeka received 52 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Alessandro Riggi finished second with 33 percent of the vote.
USL team of the week
GK – Fabian Cerda, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: Cerda recorded a five-save shutout, as the Roughnecks moved closer to a playoff berth with a 1-0 win against the LA Galaxy II.
D – William Yomby, Richmond Kickers: Yomby made six interceptions and nine clearances, as the Kickers earned a 1-0 victory against the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday night.
D – Hunter Gorskie, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Gorskie, a former Cosmos defender, scored the only goal of the game and also put in a solid defensive display as the Rowdies moved into the Eastern Conference’s top four by defeating the Charlotte Independence.
D – Oumar Ballo, Swope Park Rangers: Ballo opened the scoring in the Rangers’ 3-1 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and also recorded eight clearances while going five of eight in duels.
M – Lewis Neal, Orlando City B: Neal scored a late game-winner to go with his earlier assist, as OCB gave its playoff hopes a major boost with a 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday.
M – Alessandro Riggi, Phoenix Rising FC: Riggi recorded two goals and two assists to lead Rising FC to a pair of victories, as Phoenix ran its undefeated streak to 10 games.
M – George Davis IV, Louisville City FC: Davis scored two goals in two games, as Louisville took four points from the week to extend its lead in the Eastern Conference to seven points.
M – Lindo Mfeka, Reno 1868 FC: Mfeka scored four goals in two games – including a hat trick against OKC Energy FC on Wednesday night – as Reno moved into second place in the Western Conference.
F – Antoine Hoppenot, Reno 1868 FC: Hoppenot notched a pair of goals, as Reno romped to a 6-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field.
F – Cory Burke, Bethlehem Steel FC: Burke tallied twice to help Steel FC take a big step toward a place in the playoffs with a 3-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday afternoon.
F – Heviel Cordoves, Charleston Battery: Cordoves scored three goals in two games, including a pair of goals on Wednesday night to help the Battery defeat the Charlotte Independence.
Bench: Matt Pickens (TBR), Jose Escalante (RGV), Jose Angulo (OKC), Kharlton Belmar (SPR), Dane Kelly (RNO), Seth Rudolph (STL), Corey Hertzog (PGH)