The defender was key performer in Legion FC’s win and shutout versus Memphis on June 8
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 14 of the 2022 regular season on Tuesday, with Legion FC defender Jake Rufe earning a spot on the team for his strong defensive performance in last week’s win and shutout over rivals Memphis 901 FC at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
Rufe helped anchor a Legion FC backline that ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night. The Alabama native recorded three interceptions, six clearances and 10 recoveries while winning 7 of 11 duels versus the local rivals and has started and played the full 90 minutes in Birmingham’s last three games, all wins. This TOTW honor is the first of Rufe’s young career.
Atlanta United 2’s Raimar bagged both goals in the team’s 2-0 win over Loudoun United last week to earn 47 percent of the Player of the Week vote. San Antonio FC’s PC finished second on 27 percent after an impressive midfield display that saw him record a pair of assists in SAFC’s 3-2 victory on the road against Monterey Bay FC.
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 14
GK – Evan Newton, El Paso Locomotive FC: Newton posted his 55th regular-season shutout in the Championship with stellar three-save performance that earned El Paso its first victory in club history against Phoenix Rising FC in a 1-0 win at Wild Horse Pass.
D – Jake Rufe, Birmingham Legion FC: Rufe had a strong defensive display as Legion FC ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night, recording three interceptions, six clearances and 10 recoveries while winning 7 of 11 duels.
D – Matt Mahoney, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Mahoney notched one assist and three key passes while completing 57 of 63 passes overall and recording three interceptions in the Switchbacks’ 3-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II.
D – Lee Desmond, Sacramento Republic FC: The Irish center back put in a strong shift as Republic FC handed Detroit City FC its first home loss of the season, winning 10 of 16 duels and 8 of 10 aerial duels while making five interceptions and seven recoveries.
M – Raimar, Atlanta United 2: The Brazilian recorded both goals as Atlanta took its first win since April with a 2-0 victory against Loudoun United FC, scoring on both of his shots while completing 3 of 4 dribbles and making seven recoveries.
M – PC, San Antonio FC: SAFC’s captain recorded a pair of assists in a strong all-around performance that saw him complete 30 of 34 passes overall, win 2 of 2 tackles and make three interceptions and nine recoveries in San Antonio’s 3-2 win at Monterey Bay F.C.
M – Cam Lindley, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Lindley scored the final goal in the Switchbacks’ 3-1 victory on the road at the LA Galaxy II and had three chances created, completed 50 of 62 passes and won 3 of 3 duels and 2 of 2 tackles defensively.
M – Andrew Booth, Charleston Battery: Booth played a key role in the Battery’s first win since opening night against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, scoring once and recording three chances created while completing 28 of 33 passes overall and winning 9 of 16 duels.
M – Damia Viader, Sacramento Republic FC: The Spaniard scored an outstanding opening goal and had a positive all-around performance as Sacramento handed Detroit City FC its first home loss this season, making four interceptions and 11 recoveries.
F – Danny Trejo, Las Vegas Lights FC: Trejo scored his seventh goal of the season to lead Las Vegas to a 3-0 victory against Orange County SC, and recorded two shots, one chance created and completed 19 of 25 passes overall in a solid return to form.
F – Michee Ngalina, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The Congolese winger had one assist, three shots and five chances created, completed 26 of 28 passes overall and won 7 of 10 duels in Colorado Springs’ 3-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II.
Bench: Jordan Farr (SA), Jalen Robinson (LDN), Romario Piggott (CHS), Juan Carlos Azocar (OAK), Collin Martin (SD), Rodrigo Lopez (SAC), Josue Aaron Gomez (ELP)
The Three Sparks next match is away at New Mexico on Saturday, June 25 at 8:00pm CT. Tune in to watch the match on My68 or ESPN+, and follow along @bhmlegion on twitter for live match updates.
Legion FC will return home to Protective Stadium on Saturday, July 23 to kick off a big fall of soccer in Birmingham with a contest versus Eastern Conference foe FC Tulsa at 6:30pm, and fans can grab your tickets today!
For team updates, news and more, follow @bhmlegion on social media, sign up for Legion FC’s Newsletter, or visit bhmlegion.com. The Legion FC app is also available for download via Apple or Android. For gameday reminders, sync the Legion FC 2022 schedule to your calendar HERE.
