CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, March 25, 2014) – LA Galaxy II midfielder Kenney Walker was named USL PRO Player of the Week for Week 1 of the 2014 USL PRO season after he scored a goal and recorded an assist as the LA Galaxy II defeated the Orange County Blues 3-1 in their inaugural match on Saturday night. Additionally, Galaxy II forward Charlie Rugg and defender Daniel Steres both joined Walker on the USL PRO Team of the Week for Week 1 of the 2014 season as both players found the back of the net in the Galaxy II’s inaugural victory.
Walker was a positive midfield influence for much of the Galaxy II’s inaugural contest, with his powerful effort that was parried by Patrick McLain leading to the first goal in club history, scored by Galaxy II forward Rugg. Walker was the beneficiary of a rebound just before the halftime break as he scored what proved to be the game-winning goal. He also added an assist early in the second half as his corner kick was flicked home by defender Steres to earn a 3-1 win against the Orange County Blues.
Steres, a 2013 All-League selection for Wilmington, was also solid defensively, while Rugg was active throughout up front as he finished the game with three shots.
The Galaxy II return to action next weekend when they host intra-state rival Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
LA Galaxy II Season Ticket Memberships begin at just $72 for all 14 regular season home games. For more information on LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II memberships, or group and single tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299).
USL PRO Team of the Week
<strong>Pos</strong> |
<strong>Player </strong> |
<strong>Team</strong> |
<strong>Highlights</strong> |
<p>GK</p> |
<p>Odisnel Cooper</p> |
<p>Charleston</p> |
<p>Recorded five saves as Battery earned a point in opener</p> |
<strong>D</strong> |
<strong>Daniel Steres</strong> |
<strong>LA Galaxy II</strong> |
<strong>Headed finish capped strong defensive performance</strong> |
<p>D</p> |
<p>Luke Boden</p> |
<p>Orlando</p> |
<p>Dangerous down left, provided cross that led to equalizer</p> |
<p>D</p> |
<p>Fabrice Gautrat</p> |
<p>Orange County</p> |
<p>Solid debut performance in Blues’ opener</p> |
<p>D</p> |
<p>John Wilson</p> |
<p>Charleston</p> |
<p>Veteran was solid at back, got forward well when able</p> |
<strong>M</strong> |
<strong>Kenney Walker</strong> |
<strong>LA Galaxy II</strong> |
<strong>Goal and assist led his side to win in inaugural contest</strong> |
<p>M</p> |
<p>Austin da Luz</p> |
<p>Orlando</p> |
<p>Low finish earned Lions a point on the road in Charleston</p> |
<p>M</p> |
<p>Stephen Okai</p> |
<p>Orange County</p> |
<p>Outstanding free kick was highlight of Blues’ opener</p> |
<p>M</p> |
<p>Darwin Ceren</p> |
<p>Orlando</p> |
<p>Pulled strings effectively in attacking third, created chances</p> |
<p>F</p> |
<p>Mamadou Diouf</p> |
<p>Charleston</p> |
<p>Rifled home finish to put Battery on top against Orlando</p> |
<strong>F</strong> |
<strong>Charlie Rugg</strong> |
<strong>LA Galaxy II</strong> |
<strong>Scored first goal in club history, sent Los Dos on way to win</strong> |
Honorable Mention – Charleston: Omar Salgado, Shawn Ferguson; LA Galaxy II: Oscar Sorto, Rafael Garcia; Orange County: Allan Russell, Gabriel Gonzalez; Orlando: Kevin Molino, Aodhan Quinn.
USL PRO
USL PRO is the strongest U.S. men’s professional soccer league on and off the field below and in support of Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on league stability and franchise performance longevity, USL PRO features 14 teams, including 2014 expansion teams in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Sacramento. Teams have already been announced for 2015 in Colorado Springs and Tulsa, with more additions expected soon. Through aggressive and deliberate growth in adding teams fully capable of meeting USL and US Soccer standards, USL PRO is building a robust, national professional soccer league in a format that promotes the benefits of regional league play. In 2013 USL PRO began a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership with MLS that features individual team affiliations, inter-league play, and the opportunity for MLS clubs to field a second team in USL PRO. In addition to league play, USL PRO teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various domestic and international exhibitions. USL PRO is the longest-standing pro league affiliate member of US Soccer.
