ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – A pair of Tampa Bay Rowdies were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week on Tuesday for their standout performances in the club’s 3-1 win over Indy Eleven in Week 21 of the season. Forward Steevan Dos Santos and defender Jordan Scarlett both each earned a spot on the Team of the Week for their contributions in helping the Rowdies record their sixth straight win and extend the club’s unbeaten run to 12 matches.
This is Dos Santos’ second straight selection to the Team of the Week. Following up on his brace against Atlanta United 2 on July 23, Dos Santos drew and converted the penalty in Indy to put the Rowdies back on level terms. Once the Rowdies equalized, it was Green and Gold from that point on.
Dos Santos has been a persistent pest for the Rowdies up top in recent weeks, tallying four goals in his last three outings.
“Steevan took his penalty very well and then he did well with a header and the keeper made a fantastic save,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “I still think there’s more to come from him, but four goals in three games. If he keeps doing that, we’ll be happy.”
Scarlett earned his first Team of the Week spot after registering his first goal of the season. The 27-year-old center back tidied up in front of goal after Indy’s keeper Sean Lewis made a superb save to deny a strong header sent on frame. When the rebound came his way, Scarlet made no mistake and rifled the ball back on goal and past Lewis.
Scarlett also won two of two tackles and made eight recoveries over his 90-minute shift in Indy.
“It’s important that you don’t get disappointed if the first attack isn’t successful and you keep it alive,” said Collins. “We did that. If anyone deserves a goal it’s Jordan Scarlett. He got his goal and that was pleasing because he’s had a couple ruled out for offside this season.”
The Rowdies return to Al Lang Stadium this Saturday, August 6 to meet USL Championship newcomer Detroit City FC at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets for the match can be purchased here or by calling the Rowdies sales office at 727-222-2000.
View the full USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 21 below:
GK – Ben Lundt, Phoenix Rising FC: The German shot-stopper continued his shutout streak with another pair of clean sheets against Oakland Roots SC on Wednesday night and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC while recording 10 saves across the two contests.
D – Jonathan Dean, Birmingham Legion FC: Dean delivered a strong pair of performances as Legion FC took six points from the week, recording one assist and six chances created overall while completing 93 of 108 passes and winning 12 of 18 duels in victories against Loudoun United FC and Hartford Athletic.
D – Jordan Scarlett, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Scarlett scored his first goal of the season to help the Rowdies to a 3-1 victory on the road against Indy Eleven and was also solid defensively, winning 2 of 2 tackles and making eight recoveries while completing 49 of 60 passes.
D – Morey Doner, Monterey Bay F.C.: The Canadian helped Monterey Bay continue its undefeated streak as he recorded five chances created and completed 43 of 47 passes overall while winning 4 of 6 duels and 2 of 2 aerial duels in the side’s 1-0 win on the road at Loudoun United FC.
M – Aodhan Quinn, Phoenix Rising FC: Quinn notched a goal and assist and recorded three shots and seven chances created while completing 26 of 31 passes and making seven recoveries in Phoenix’s 4-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
M – Bruno Lapa, Birmingham Legion FC: Lapa recorded the first hat trick in Legion FC’s history in the club’s 6-1 victory against Loudoun United FC on Wednesday night at Protective Stadium and ended the night with nine shots while completing 53 of 59 passes overall.
M – Emil Cuello, Sacramento Republic FC: Cuello recorded a goal and assist, recorded three shots and three chances created, and completed 16 of 19 passes as Sacramento earned a 4-2 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night.
M – Kevon Lambert, Phoenix Rising FC: The Jamaican international put in stellar midfield display in Rising FC’s 4-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, recording one assist and two key passes while winning 10 of 14 duels, recording four interceptions and 12 recoveries, and completing 39 of 47 passes.
F – Milan Iloski, Orange County SC: The Golden Boot leader notched another pair of goals and had five shots and two chances created overall as Orange County fell 3-2 to San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday night.
F – Steevan Dos Santos, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The Cape Verde veteran scored the Rowdies’ opening goal in a 3-1 comeback victory against Indy Eleven and notched four shots overall while winning 6 of 10 duels and 4 of 6 aerial duels in leading the attacking line.
F – Neco Brett, New Mexico United: Brett scored the opening goal in New Mexico’s 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II and had two shots while defensively he won 4 of 7 duels and made six recoveries to help his side to victory.
Bench: Yannik Oettl (HFD), Grant Robinson (MB), Mitchell Taintor (SA), Will Seymore (NM), Charlie Adams (SD), Luther Archimede (SAC), Albert Dikwa (PIT)