MIAMI (May 18, 2021) – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 4 of the 2021 regular season on Tuesday, which includes Miami FC midfielder Bolu Akinyode.
“It’s always nice to get individual recognition from the league but the most important thing is that we got back to winning ways this weekend,” said Akinyode. “It was a good team performance and we are looking to build on that. I am thankful to my teammates because without them there is no way I would’ve gotten this recognition.”
Akinyode played a key part in Friday’s 1-0 win on the road against New York Red Bulls II. The Nigerian completed 48 of 55 passes, winning 9 of 15 duels and making 16 recoveries and eight interceptions.
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.
Check out the complete USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 4:
GK – Matt Van Oekel, Birmingham Legion FC: Matt Van Oekel not only posted a five-save shutout in Legion FC’s 1-0 win against Memphis 901 FC, but also provided the assist on Neco Brett’s game-winning goal as well.
D – Issa Rayyan, Tacoma Defiance: Issa Rayyan recorded one assist, two key passes and completed 3 of 4 dribbles in attack while defensively won 8 of 11 duels and made two tackles and three interceptions in Tacoma’s 3-1 win against San Diego Loyal SC.
D – Shannon Gomez, Sacramento Republic FC: Shannon Gomez completed 38 of 42 passes and notched one assist and two key passes while recording four interceptions in Republic FC’s 3-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.
D – Ryan James, Birmingham Legion FC: Ryan James won 8 of 11 duels and recorded six recoveries, two interceptions and four clearances as Birmingham recorded a shutout in its 1-0 win against Memphis 901 FC at Legion Stadium.
M – Michee Ngalina, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Michee Ngalina was a menace throughout the Switchbacks’ 4-0 win against Sporting Kansas City II, recording one goal, two assists and eight key passes on Friday night.
M – Junior Etou, Charlotte Independence: Junior Etou put in an impressive display in the center of midfield, winning 13 of 17 duels and making 11 recoveries while completing 29 of 40 passes in Charlotte’s 3-0 win against the Charleston Battery.
M – Bolu Akinyode, Miami FC: Bolu Akinyode helped Miami dominate the midfield in its 1-0 win against the New York Red Bulls II, completing 48 of 55 passes, winning 9 of 15 duels and making 16 recoveries and eight interceptions.
M – Lewis Hilton, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Lewis Hilton recorded a game-high five key passes and 36 completed passes overall while recording 14 recoveries and winning 3 of 4 tackles in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 win against Phoenix Rising FC.
F – Hadji Barry, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Hadji Barry notched a pair of goals on six shots, had two key passes and completed 22 of 26 passes overall to help the Switchbacks earn a 4-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City II
F – Steevan Dos Santos, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Steevan Dos Santos shone again for his new side, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win against Phoenix Rising FC while winning 12 of 23 duels and recording seven shots overall.
F – Dariusz Formella, Sacramento Republic FC: Dariusz Formella recorded one goal, one assist and five key passes overall to lead Republic FC to a 3-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC last Wednesday night.
Bench: John Berner (MEM), Jack Metcalf (SD), Gabriel Torres (HFD), Speedy Williams (MIA), Wan Kuzain (RGV), Sergio Rivas (NM) Irvin Parra (CLT)
