PITTSBURGH (April 24, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC rookie midfielder Thomas Vancaeyezeele has been named to USL Team of the Week after scoring his first career professional goal in a 2-2 draw at FC Cincinnati this past weekend.
Responding to an equalizer in the second half by the hosts, Vancaeyezeele was the beneficiary of a turnover forced by Kenardo Forbes in the Cincinnati defensive third. Pushing with pace up the left side of the pitch, Forbes patiently waited for a trailing Vancaeyezeele and fed him precisely at the top of the penalty box. The rookie wasted little time, one-timing Forbes’ pass into the lower-right corner of the frame for the then go-ahead tally.
The scoring effort highlighted an overall stellar two-way performance by the first-year player out of the University of Charleston (W.Va), as Vancaeyezeele played both at center back and midfield during the match. He finished with nine clearances, three interceptions and two tackles to go along with winning 10 of 12 duels.
A native of Caen, France, Vancaeyezeele is one of only three Hounds to have played in every minute of every match so far this season. He is tied for the team lead with 11 interceptions and is one of only two players to have double-digit interceptions, clearances (14) and tackles (12). Vancaeyezeele is also second on the team in scoring with three points (one goal and one assist).
The accolade marks the third straight week a Hound has been named to USL Team of the Week, as Vancaeyezeele follows up Tobi Adewole (Week 4) and Neco Brett (Week 3 – Player of the Week).
Unbeaten through five matches this season, Riverhounds SC is back home for a date against expansion side Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, April 28. Set to kick off at 7 p.m., the match is also Superhero Night, presented by Allegheny Health Network, where the first 500 fans through the gates 10 years-and-under will receive a co-branded superhero cape. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.riverhounds.com.
For more information on the USL Team of the Week for Week 6, visit USLsoccer.com.
HOUNDS NAMED TO TEAM OF THE WEEK
Thomas Vancaeyezeele: Week 5 – April 24
Tobi Adewole: Week 4 – April 17
Neco Brett: Week 3 – April 10 (Player of the Week)
