ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The USL Championship revealed the Team of the Week for Week 9 of the 2023 season on Tuesday afternoon, with three Tampa Bay Rowdies players making the cut. Midfielder Charlie Dennis, forward JJ Williams, and left wingback Ryan Spaulding all earned a spot on the Team of the Week for their contributions in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 win over Phoenix Rising FC this past Saturday.
Dennis, Spaulding, and Williams all combined to net the Rowdies go-ahead goal ten minutes into the matchup against Phoenix. A swift give-and-go exchange between Dennis and Spaulding freed the latter to slip down the left wing before lifting a cross for Williams to head home at the far post.
The tally was Williams’ first for the Rowdies in league play this season. Williams notched a previous goal for the Rowdies in their U.S. Open Cup victory over Nona FC last month. The opening goal was also Spaulding’s first assist for the Rowdies since joining on loan from the New England Revolution last month.
Dennis bagged a pivotal insurance goal for the Rowdies in spectacular fashion right before halftime. After drawing a foul just outside of Phoenix’s box, Dennis guided his free kick attempt over the wall and back down under the bar to record his second goal of the year and give the Rowdies a two-goal lead.
This is Dennis’ second straight USL Team of the Week selection, and his third overall on the season. Dennis earned the league-wide honor last week for his game-winning goal from the penalty spot at Detroit City FC.
Next up, the Rowdies have a rematch with Detroit this Saturday at Al Lang Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling 727-222-2000 during normal business hours.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 9
GK – Trey Muse, Charleston Battery: The 23-year-old produced a six-save shutout, including a key penalty kick save on Erick “Cubo” Torres in the second half, to help the Battery earn a 1-0 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Friday night at Cashman Field.
D – Younes Boudadi, Indy Eleven: The Moroccan full back notched one assist and completed 56 of 65 passes, won 9 of 12 overall duels and 2 of 3 tackles, and made nine recoveries as the Boys in Blue rallied for a 2-1 victory at Loudoun United FC.
D – Derek Dodson, Charleston Battery: Dodson put in a strong defensive display against Las Vegas in the Battery’s 1-0 win, making six clearances and 13 recoveries while winning a combined 12 of 17 duels and also hit the woodwork on one of his two shots in attack.
D – Eder Borelli, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Mexican full back recorded one assist and won 3 of 5 tackles and 6 of 8 duels in Locomotive FC’s 3-2 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Friday night.
M – Florian Valot, Miami FC: The French midfielder put in a sterling all-around display in Miami’s 3-1 win against Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday night, recording one assist and two chances created while winning 11 of 13 duels and recording 12 recoveries defensively.
M – Petar Petrovic, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Serbian notched a goal and assist in the first half to help lead El Paso Locomotive FC to a 3-2 victory at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, completing 14 of 16 passes overall while putting all three of his shots on target.
M – Charlie Dennis, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The English midfielder earned a second consecutive selection as he scored a brilliant free kick shortly before halftime to highlight a strong all-around display in a 2-0 win against Phoenix Rising FC that saw him complete 27 of 32 passes and notch eight chances created.
M – Ryan Spaulding, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Spaulding was effective on the left flank for the Rowdies, recording one assist and three chances created in the side’s 2-0 victory against Phoenix Rising FC while also winning 8 of 9 duels and completing 19 of 24 passes.
F – Albert Dikwa, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: The Cameroonian forward scored a pair of goals, although was denied on a penalty kick, to move into a tie for the league-lead with seven on the season as the Hounds played to a 2-2 draw against Monterey Bay F.C. on Friday night.
F – Samuel Adeniran, San Antonio FC: The Texan standout notched his first goal for SAFC since he returned to the club to open the scoring in San Antonio’s 2-1 win at Las Vegas Lights FC and recorded five shots and two chances created overall at Cashman Field.
F – JJ Williams, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Williams scored the opening goal for the Rowdies against his former club – his first in Tampa Bay’s colors – and put three of his six shots on target while winning 5 of 6 aerial duels in the Rowdies’ 2-0 win against Phoenix Rising FC.
Bench: Bill Hamid (MEM), Harry Swartz (NM), AJ Paterson (CHS), Taylor Davila (RGV), Enzo Martinez (BHM), Laurent Kissiedou (MEM), Christian Volesky (MB)
