Legion FC’s left back helped anchor the back line in Saturday’s shutout victory at Sacramento Republic FC
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 19 of the 2022 regular season on Tuesday, with Legion FC defender Ryan James earning a spot in the side for his efforts in Birmingham’s 1-0 win at Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday.
The 27-year-old has been deployed in multiple positions up and down the left side of the pitch for Legion FC this season but produced a standout performance at Sacramento from left back. The Canadian was a central hub for the visitors, leading the team in touches and passes, while winning six of nine duels and both of his tackles, making two interceptions, and adding one clearance. He also only allowed one completed cross all game from his side of the field.
This is James’ first ‘Team of the Week’ nod this season, and his inclusion this time around makes it 13 ‘Team of the Week’ honors for Legion FC in 19 weeks in 2022.
Las Vegas Lights FC goalkeeper Abraham Romero was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording an eight-save shutout in his side’s 1-0 victory on the road against Rio Grande Valley FC on Sunday night. Romero earned 47 percent of the ballot to claim the award. Louisville City FC’s Brian Ownby finished second on 29 percent after recording both goals in his side’s comeback victory against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night that gave Louisville its fifth consecutive victory and marked the veteran forward’s second consecutive two-goal outing.
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 19
GK – Abraham Romero, Las Vegas Lights FC: Romero recorded an eight-save shutout to lead Lights FC to a 1-0 victory on the road against Rio Grande Valley FC on Sunday night in a game in which Las Vegas recorded only one shot on target.
D – Fabien Garcia, San Antonio FC: The French center back had a strong two-way performance, recording six chances created and completing 3 of 3 dribbles while winning 10 of 16 duels and 3 of 4 tackles and recording 12 recoveries defensively in SAFC’s 5-0 win against Atlanta United 2.
D – Morten Björshol, Las Vegas Lights FC: The Norwegian full back scored the only goal of the game as Lights FC took a 1-0 victory on the road at Rio Grande Valley FC with a 30-yard thunderbolt and recorded seven clearances and four interceptions while completing 22 of 29 passes overall.
D – Kai Greene, Monterey Bay F.C.: Greene helped Monterey Bay record a second consecutive shutout in a 0-0 draw with Detroit City FC as he recorded nine clearances, won 5 of 7 duels and 3 of 4 tackles and made nine recoveries at Cardinale Stadium.
M – Edgardo Rito, Oakland Roots SC: The right-sided wingback had one assist and five chances created, won a penalty kick, and completed 25 of 28 passes overall while winning 9 of 13 duels and making 12 recoveries defensively in Oakland’s 4-0 win against El Paso Locomotive FC.
M – Michee Ngalina, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Ngalina recorded a goal and assist, completed 4 of 4 dribbles and 24 of 26 passes, and won 13 of 15 duels and 2 of 3 tackles defensively as the Switchbacks took a 4-2 victory against the LA Galaxy II at Weidner Field.
M – Mohammed Abu, San Antonio FC: Abu recorded one assist and a game-high seven chances created in San Antonio’s 5-0 win against Atlanta United 2 while completing 39 of 45 passes and winning 5 of 6 duels and making 10 recoveries defensively.
M – Dayonn Harris, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Harris came on as a halftime substitute and ignited the Rowdies’ attack with a pair of assists on four chances created in the side’s 4-1 victory against Loudoun United FC, while also completing 15 of 17 passes and 3 of 3 dribbles and winning 2 of 2 tackles.
F – Hadji Barry, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Barry recorded one goal and two assists, taking the league-lead with eight helpers this season, and finished the night with four shots and five chances created as the Switchbacks defeated the LA Galaxy II 4-2 on Friday night.
F – Ottar Magnus Karlsson, Oakland Roots SC: The Icelandic forward scored twice as Oakland produced its highest-scoring half since joining the Championship in a 4-0 win against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday and finished the night with four shots and two chances created at Laney Stadium.
F – Brian Ownby, Louisville City FC: Ownby celebrated his 32nd birthday with a second consecutive two-goal performance as LouCity rallied for a 2-1 victory against Memphis 901 FC in a top-two clash in the Eastern Conference, while also winning 2 of 2 tackles and recording four shots overall.
Bench: Alex Tambakis (NM), Ryan James (BHM), Jose Hernandez (OAK), PC (SA), Elvis Amoh (COS), Augustine Williams (CHS), Santiago Patino (SA)
Legion FC finally returns home to Protective Stadium on Saturday at 6:30pm for ‘Salute to Service’ Night, presented by Vulcan Materials Company, to face former Birmingham forward JJ Williams and FC Tulsa, so grab your tickets today!
The club also recently announced that Half Season Ticket Plans are available now and more info is available HERE.
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