United Soccer Leagues announced the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 9 of the 2011 season today, honoring F.C. New York forward Graciano Brito as Player of the Week after he scored twice to rally his side twice in a 2-2 draw against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night.
Brito answered each time after the Kickers had taken the lead, scoring his second goal of the night with 11 minutes remaining to earn his side a point. The former Quinnipiac standout now has four goals this season, half of his team’s total.
The Charleston Battery earned a pair of victories in the past week, rallying back in both, and midfielders Jon Gruenewald and Nicki Paterson both achieve recognition for their game-winning goals for the side. Gruenewald’s, which came last Tuesday against the Richmond Kickers, was also his first professional goal.
A pair of players from Orlando City also gain recognition as defender Demar Stewart and forward Kevin Molino were named to the team after their performances in last Wednesday’s 2-0 victory against Richmond. Molino in particular had a very strong performance, playing a part in both goals as he assisted on Lewis Neal’s opener before bagging the second himself.
USL PRO Team of the Week
| Pos | Player | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Jesper Leerdam | Dayton | Recorded a number of outstanding saves to preserve draw vs. Charlotte |
| D | Ivan Becerra | Wilmington | Had a goal and was crucial as Hammerheads earned two road points |
| D | Louie Rolko | Pittsburgh | Helped keep Wilmington attack in check as Hounds posted shutout |
| D | Demar Stewart | Orlando | Was key to containing Richmond’s explosive attack in 2-0 win |
| M | Nicki Paterson | Charleston | Was dynamic in midfield, scored winning goal against City Islanders. |
| M | David Schofield | Harrisburg | A danger down the wing, provided assist for Angulo against Battery |
| M | Alfonso Motagalvan | Rochester | Rifled in equalizer as Rhinos earned point against Hammerheads |
| M | Jon Gruenewald | Charleston | First professional goal was game-winner against Richmond |
| F | Graciano Brito | New York | Scored twice to earn his side a road point against the Kickers |
| F | Kevin Molino | Orlando | Provided great energy and had a goal and assist against Richmond |
| F | Sallieu Bundu | Charlotte | Had early goal and was constant threat to Dayton’s goal in 1-1 draw |
Honorable Mention: Charleston -- Stephen Armstrong; Charlotte –Jorge Herrera, Eric Reed; Dayton – Julius Willie; Harrisburg – Jose Angulo; Orlando – Lewis Neal; Pittsburgh – Dylan Riley, Hunter Gilstrap; Richmond – Matt Delicâte, Edson Elcock; Rochester – Neal Kitson; Wilmington – Brock Duckworth, Tom Parratt.