TEAM OF THE WEEK | Fall Season Week 2

San Antonio Scorpions forward Omar Cummings, Atlanta Silverbacks midfielder Michael Reed, and Indy Eleven defender Erick Norales turned in a few of the NASL’s top performances over the weekend to headline the league’s Team of the Week.

Here is the full Team of the Week:

GK: Matt Cardone (San Antonio Scorpions) – While standing in for the suspended Daryl Sattler, Cardone helped the Scorpions post a clean sheet against one of the league’s hottest teams, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The San Antonio native made five saves in the 3-0 victory.

DEF: Paul Black (Atlanta Silverbacks) – In a new formation, Black was one of two outside backs in the Silverbacks’ 3-5-2 alignment. The Englishman, as well as his fellow defensive teammates, limited Jacksonville Armada FC’s chances and helped Atlanta earn a 1-0 result – the team’s first home win in 2015.

DEF: Erick Norales (Indy Eleven) – The Honduran defender continues to put in huge performances for the Boys in Blue, and on Saturday against Carolina, he helped the club stretch their unbeaten streak to five games. Norales, normally known for his ability to keep the opponents from scoring, added his team-high third goal of the season in Indy’s 2-1 defeat of the RailHawks.

DEF: Connor Tobin (Carolina RailHawks) – Featuring in two matches in Week 2, Tobin helped the RailHawks earn a draw in a Wednesday night affair with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The Colorado native made a key goal-line clearance early in the match, and a put in a strong overall performance to help the RailHawks earn a point.  

MID: Kailf Alhassan (Minnesota United) – Alhassan was dangerous throughout his time on the pitch on Saturday, putting pressure on the Ottawa defense all game long. He helped control the tempo in the Loons’ midfield, and delivered plenty of service to the forwards – one of which, Christian Ramirez, found the back of the net.

MID: Thiago de Freitas (FC Edmonton) – In his first start for the Eddies, the veteran Brazilian put in an assured performance in the center of the pitch. His experience helped a young Edmonton lineup earn a 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale.

MID: Michael Reed (Atlanta Silverbacks) – Reed delivered a rocket from the top of the box to help the Silverbacks earn a 1-0 win against Jacksonville. The New Mexico native put in a strong performance through the midfield and his second-half strike stood as the winner against the Armada FC.

MID: Walter Ramirez (Fort Lauderdale Strikers) – After Shawn Chin was taken down in the box, the Honduran midfielder stepped up to the penalty spot, making no mistake to fire past goalkeeper Matt VanOekel in the 1-1 draw with the Eddies.

FWD: Omar Cummings (San Antonio Scorpions) – The veteran Jamaican continued his strong season for San Antonio, earning NASL Player of the Week honors after scoring twice and assisting on Marvin Chávez’s goal in a big win over the Rowdies.

FWD: Tom Heinemann (Ottawa Fury FC) – With Fury FC trailing by a goal, Heinemann pulled the sides even from the penalty spot. While Ottawa’s record shutout streak came to an end, the Missouri native’s tally helped the team extend its unbeaten streak to seven games.

FWD: Omar Cummings (San Antonio Scorpions) – The veteran Jamaican continued his strong season for San Antonio, earning NASL Player of the Week honors after scoring twice and assisting on Marvin Chávez’s goal in a big win over the Rowdies.

FWD: Wojciech Wojcik (Indy Eleven) – The Illinois native is rounding into top form for Indy as he scored in his second consecutive match over the weekend. With the Boys in Blue down a goal, Wojcik climbed high to head in the equalizer against Carolina. Indy would go on to win the game thanks to a goal from Norales.