Rebellon Named to Week 3’s Best XI, while Diz Pe Garners “Bench” Honorable Mention
TAMPA/INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, March 28, 2023) – Indy Eleven defender/midfielder Bryam Rebellon’s effort on both ends of the pitch Saturday against Detroit City FC helped earn the Colombian left back a spot on the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 3. In addition, one of Rebellon’s backline mate from Saturday, Adrian Diz Pe, was slotted into one of the Team of the Week’s seven honorable mention “bench” spots.
Both players were integral to Indy Eleven’s first shutout of the 2023 season, which in turn helped the Boys in Blue to a first victory of the campaign courtesy of Rebellon’s goal that led the Eleven to a 1-0 road result at Keyworth Stadium.
After coming off the bench in the Eleven’s season opening 1-1 draw at Tampa Bay on March 11, Rebellon was inserted into Head Coach Mark Lowry’s starting line-up for the rivalry row over the weekend. The versatile veteran delivered the game’s lone tally in the 62nd minute, when he ran onto a low free kick service making its way through the DCFC penalty area and slotted a far post shot through heavy traffic for the eventual game-winner. The honor stands as Rebellon’s first Team of the Week placement since joining the squad prior to the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, Diz Pe earned his second consecutive start for his new side and logged the full 90 minutes while leading or co-leading the Eleven with three interceptions, three tackles won on five attempts, and 10 duels won out of 13 contested.
Rebellon and Diz Pe join goalkeeper Yannik Oettl on the early season list of Team of the Week honorees, this after Oettl earned the nod following his Week 1 performance in a 1-1 draw at the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Former Indy Eleven netminder Jordan Farr of San Antonio FC was named the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball for Week 3 after recording a five-save shutout that included a stoppage-time penalty kick save in a 1-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks 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 3
GK – Jordan Farr, San Antonio FC: The reigning Championship Goalkeeper of the Year posted a five-save shutout that was capped by a penalty kick save in stoppage time to preserve a 1-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
D – Alex Villanueva, Orange County SC: The 20-year-old full back scored his first league goal for Orange County SC with a good header and was stellar otherwise, completing 35 of 39 passes and winning 3 of 3 tackles and 6 of 8 duels in his side’s 2-2 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC.
D – Bryam Rebellon, Indy Eleven: The Colombian scored his first goal in the Championship since 2020, and his first for the Boys in Blue, which proved the winner in a 1-0 win against Detroit City FC which also saw him win 3 of 5 duels and make four recoveries.
D – Marc Navarro, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Spanish full back scored the opening goal in El Paso’s 3-0 victory at Louisville City FC and notched two shots and one chance created overall at Lynn Family Stadium.
M – Taylor Davila, Rio Grande Valley FC: Davila scored a stoppage-time equalizer in the Toros’ 1-1 draw with Monterey Bay F.C. to cap a performance that saw him record four shots on target overall, complete 4 of 4 dribbles and 39 of 46 passes and win 6 of 7 duels.
M – Nick Markanich, Charleston Battery: The 23-year-old recorded one goal and one assist in his side’s 3-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies while completing 16 of 19 passes at Patriots Point.
M – Blaine Ferri, FC Tulsa: The 22-year-old scored the opening goal in Tulsa’s 3-0 victory against Loudoun United FC and completed 24 of 27 passes while making two interceptions and eight recoveries at ONEOK Field.
M – Luis Felipe Fernandes, Sacramento Republic FC: Fernandes scored the only goal in Republic FC’s 1-0 win against San Diego Loyal SC at Heart Health Park and complete 26 of 31 passes while winning 2 of 3 tackles.
F – Fidel Barajas, Charleston Battery: The Mexico U-17 international notched a brilliant first goal in the professional ranks and also recorded an assist while winning 2 of 3 duels in Charleston’s 3-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
F – Marcus Epps, FC Tulsa: The veteran winger capped the first win of the season for Tulsa with a fine long-range finish and ended the game with three shots and one chance created while winning 2 of 3 tackles in Tulsa’s 3-0 victory against Loudoun United FC.
F – Milan Iloski, Orange County SC: The reigning Championship Golden Boot winner notched his first goal of the season and an assist on a bicycle kick cross while completing 20 of 24 passes and winning 2 of 3 duels in OCSC’s 2-2 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC.
Bench: Benny Diaz (ELP), Adrian Diz Pe (IND), Patrick Hogan (PIT), Jose Francisco Torres (RGV), Mohammed Abu (SA), Matthew Corcoran (BHM), Milo Yosef (TUL)
