United Soccer Leagues announced the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 7 of the 2011 season today, honoring Wilmington Hammerheads forward Chris Banks as Player of the Week after he scored twice goal in his side’s 3-1 victory against F.C. New York on Saturday night.
The goals were Banks’ first of the USL PRO season and allowed the Hammerheads to maintain a perfect record at Legion Field this season. Banks struck first in the 14th minute, capitalizing on Andriy Budnyy’s cross, and added his second four minutes later on a quick upfield move.
The Harrisburg City Islanders, Orlando City and F.C. New York each had two players named to the Team of the Week, with the City Islanders being represented by goalkeeper Chase Harrison and Dustin Bixler as the duo helped the side earn four out of a possible six points against the Rochester Rhinos and Richmond Kickers.
Orlando midfielder Kevin Molino was also named the side after his game-winning goal for the Lions against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and he was joined by defender Rob Valentino, who was strong in the 1-0 victory.
F.C. New York forward Graciano Brito and defender Kyle Hoffer were also named to the side, Brito scoring twice in two games including the game-winner in New York’s first win in franchise history as they defeated the Charleston Battery and Hoffer playing a key role in securing a shutout in the 1-0 win.
Charlotte also earned its first victory of the season, and midfielder Jorge Herrera was named to the team after recording the game-winning goal and an assist in the Eagles’ 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Blues.
USL PRO Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Chase Harrison | Harrisburg | Recorded a six-save shutout against Rochester, also strong against Richmond |
| D | Rob Valentino | Orlando | Played strongly for the Lions in a 1-0 win against Pittsburgh |
| D | Kyle Hoffer | New York | Key figure in shutout against Charleston for franchise’s first victory |
| D | Dustin Bixler | Harrisburg | Was strong at heart of City Islanders’ defense in good week for the team |
| M | Walter Gaitan | Los Angeles | Almost salvaged a point for his side in defeat against Charlotte |
| M | Jorge Herrera | Charlotte | Had game-winning goal, assist in Eagles first victory of the season |
| M | Luke Vercollone | Richmond | Another strong midfielder performance as Kickers remained undefeated |
| M | Kevin Molino | Orlando | Scored game-winning goal for Lions in 1-0 victory against Pittsburgh |
| F | Chris Banks | Wilmington | Had his first two goals of the season, including the gamewinner, in 3-1 win |
| F | Graciano Brito | New York | Scored twice in two games including game-winner against Charleston |
| F | J.C. Banks | Rochester | Assisted on both Rhinos’ goals in 2-0 victory against Antigua |
Honorable Mention: Charleston – Stephen Armstrong; Charlotte – Greg Dalby, Cheyne Roberts; Harrisburg – Jose Angulo, Nelson Becerra; Los Angeles – Chukwudi Chijindu, Mike Randolph; Orlando – Miguel Gallardo; Pittsburgh – Hunter Gilstrap; Richmond – Matt Delicâte; Rochester – Neal Kitson, Kendall Jagdeosingh; Wilmington – Andriy Budnyy, Ivan Becerra.