USL Western Conference Best XI - Week 11

In a week where the Real Monarchs took over the top spot in the ICS Power Rankings, a major shift also occurred in the Team of the Week. In a very low scoring week, the defense shined as only one forward made the Team of the Week and a record number of defenders found their way into the team of the week.

Goalkeeper: Conner Sparrow – Real Monarchs SLC, 5050 pts

Sparrow recorded a six save shutout, which included a penalty kick save, as the Monarchs were able to take down an up and down Orange County team.

Defender: Sem de Wit – Vancouver Whitecaps 2, 1918 pts

De Wit completed 39 of 45 passes and recorded multiple tackles, clearances, and interceptions as Vancouver recorded a shutout victory over Portland.

Defender: Cole Seiler – Vancouver Whitecaps 2, 1936 pts

Seiler logged five interceptions and three clearances while completing over 90% of his passes as Vancouver managed a shutout victory for the third time this season.

Defender: Andy Thoma – Vancouver Whitecaps 2, 2044 pts

Thoma won eight of his duels and he recorded four tackles as the Whitecaps recorded a second shutout victory on the road in Portland of the season.

Defender: Rodrigue Ele – Seattle Sounders 2, 2066 pts

Ele won seven of his nine duels and added six clearances as Seattle shut down the Los Dos offense in a shutout victory as Seattle continues to remain relevant in the West.

Defender: Oumar Ballo – Swope Park Rangers, 2301 pts

Ballo helped Swope Park record a shutout draw against San Antonio with eight of his teams thirteen total interceptions.

Midfielder: Marco Bustos – Vancouver Whitecaps 2, 2212 pts

Bustos scored the only goal of the game on a second half penalty kick. Additionally, he created a chance and recorded two shots on goal in a 1-0 victory over the Timbers.

Midfielder: Rony Argueta – Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 2411 pts

Arugeta scored on his only shot on target in the final play of the game, giving the Colorado Springs a last gasp win over OKC. The Switchbacks have now scored in the final moments of a game in back to back weeks.

Midfielder: Ray Saari – Seattle Sounders 2, 2519 pts

Saari scored a goal and added an assist as Seattle took control in the second half and recorded a shutout victory against fellow MLS 2 side Los Dos

Midfielder: Irvin Parra – Seattle Sounders 2, 5160 pts – Player of the Week

Parra took home a Player of the Week award in the West as he scored a brace and added an assist to contribute to all three goals scored as Seattle blanked Los Dos.

Forward: Chandler Hoffman – Real Monarchs SLC, 2419 pts

Hoffman put three shots on target, but the one he scored was a first minute goal that proved to be the difference maker as the Monarchs extended their winning streak to seven.

Honorable Mentions:

Goalkeeper: Moise Pouaty – Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 4190 pts

Defender: Michael Gallagher – Real Monarchs SLC, 1836 pts

Midfielder: Eddy Prugh – Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 1598 pts

Forward: Kevaughn Frater – Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 1555 pts

Thoughts:

For the first time this week, the Whitecaps took control of the Team of the Week with four appearances, joining San Antonio as the only club through eleven weeks in the West who have had at least four members make the Team of the Week.

We also had the highest scoring runner up, as Connor Sparrow of the Real Monarchs recorded a score of over 5000 points, yet failed to be Irvin Parra’s score. Both players will join Dane Kelly though as the only three members of the 5000 point club this season.

Will the team of the week continue to feature a unique team from week to week, or will either the Monarchs or San Antonio regain their dominance? Let us know in the comments below!