Swope Park Rangers defender Oumar Ballo has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 11 following SPR’s 0-0 draw on the road against unbeaten San Antonio FC.
Ballo, who was making his first start for the Rangers in 2017, recorded eight interceptions, completed three tackles and another three clearances as SPR held North America’s only remaining unbeaten team to a scoreless draw on the road.
The shutout was the Rangers’ third of the season, having not recorded a clean sheet since a 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC on April 15.
Ballo, 26, was a key member of the Rangers as the side reached the USL Cup Final in 2016, making 25 appearances while SPR went 12-4-3 when he started in regular and postseason play.
The Swope Park Rangers are back in action this weekend when the side hosts regional rivals Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Sunday, June 11 at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Swope Soccer Village. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT with tickets available via SeatGeek.com and a live stream available on SportingKC.com.
USL Team of the Week
GK – Connor Sparrow, Real Monarchs SLC: Sparrow recorded a six-save shutout, including a penalty save, as the Monarchs defeated Orange County SC 1-0 for their seventh straight win.
D – Dennis Castillo, Charlotte Independence: Castillo scored both goals for the Independence, and also completed 80 percent of his passes, in a 2-2 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
D – Erick Cabalceta, Saint Louis FC: Cabalceta helped Saint Louis record its first home shutout this season with 10 clearances, four interceptions and three tackles in a 2-0 win against Toronto FC II.
D – Oumar Ballo, Swope Park Rangers: Ballo recorded eight interceptions and three tackles and clearances as the Rangers earned a 0-0 draw against San Antonio FC.
D – Zach Ellis-Hayden, Orlando City B: Ellis-Hayden scored the tying goal, and also recorded three interceptions and two clearances as OCB rallied to defeat the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
M – Brian Ownby, Louisville City FC: Ownby came off the bench to spark Louisville’s comeback in a 4-4 draw with the Charleston Battery, scoring a spectacular finish and providing energy to the attack.
M – Rony Argueta, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Argueta’s stunning strike earned the Switchbacks a 1-0 victory against OKC Energy FC to break a three-game winless streak.
M – Vincent Bezecourt, New York Red Bulls II: Bezecourt notched his league-leading sixth assist of the season to lift the Red Bulls II to a 1-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers.
M – Bradley Kamdem, Rochester Rhinos: Coming on as a first-half substitute, Kamdem’s first professional goal earned the Rhinos a 1-0 win against FC Cincinnati.
F – Romario Williams, Charleston Battery: Williams scored two goals, including an outstanding strike from outside the penalty area, as the Battery played to a 4-4 draw with Louisville City FC.
F – Irvin Parra, Seattle Sounders FC 2: Parra notched two goals and an assist as S2 continued their pursuit of a playoff berth with a convincing 3-0 win against the LA Galaxy II.
Bench: Spencer Richey (VAN), Stephen McCarthy (SA), Oscar Jimenez (LOU), Ray Saari (SEA), Keith Savage (TBR), Seku Conneh (BST), Jose Angulo (STL)
