TEAM OF THE WEEK | Fall Season Week 18

The race to The Championship, the NASL's four-team postseason tournament, came down to the final weekend of the Fall Season and there was plenty of thrilling action as attention now turns to the postseason. New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, Jackosnville Armada FC midfielder Zach Steinberger, and Rayo OKC defender Kosuke Kimura all played key roles in their sides earning a win to close out the regular season.

Here's the full list of top performers as the curtain came to a close on the Fall Season: 

GK: Jimmy Maurer (New York Cosmos) – He kept a shutout in the 1-0 win over Minnesota United and made seven saves, several of stunning variety, in the game.

DEF: Kyle Culbertson (Puerto Rico FC) – The defender helped Puerto Rico finish its first campaign with a win. Culbertson assisted on the club’s opening goal of the game and then put in a solid shift on the back line, making two interceptions and two clearances, as the side defeated the Carolina RailHawks, 2-1.

DEF: Luis Zapata (Fort Lauderdale Strikers) – The defender was a rock on the back line for the Strikers in the 1-0 win over Ottawa Fury FC. Zapata won all three of his tackle attempts and six of his seven duels as well as making four clearances.   

DEF: Ayoze (New York Cosmos) – He was a key part in the Cosmos win against Minnesota. Ayoze won six of his seven duels and also made four interceptions and two blocks. The defender also assisted on the lone goal of the game in the victory.

DEF: Kosuke Kimura (Rayo OKC) – The veteran defender finished the year having played every minute of the regular season for Rayo OKC and closed out the Fall Season in strong fashion. He made six interceptions and won both of his tackles as Rayo OKC defeated Indy Eleven, 2-1, before both sides enter The Championship.

MID: Sebastian Velasquez (Rayo OKC) – He scored the game-winning goal as Rayo OKC finished the Fall Season with a victory over Indy.

MID: Ariel Martinez (Miami FC) – Like the first win in Miami club history, Martinez scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over FC Edmonton.

MID: Eric Calvillo (New York Cosmos) – The United States youth international made his first start and scored his first goal in the win over the Loons.

MID: Zach Steinberger (Jacksonville Armada FC) – He was an integral part as Jacksonville overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 3-2. Steinberger assisted on the first two goals for the Armada FC and then scored the game-winning goal. He was also named Player of the Week for his efforts.

FWD: Amauri (Fort Lauderdale Strikers) – The former Italian international was dangerous in the attack and scored the game-winning goal to defeat Ottawa.

FWD: Héctor Ramos (Puerto Rico FC) – The Puerto Rican international finished the Fall Season much like he started it: with a goal. He tallied the game-winner in the win over Carolina.