By: Battery Media
The USL Championship announced Tuesday that Charleston Battery midfielder Arturo Rodriguez and forward Nick Markanich were named to the league's Week 17 Team of the Week.
The duo put on a sensational shift in the second half, linking up twice to seal the Battery's 3-0 victory over Loudoun United FC at Patriots Point.
Rodriguez's creativity was on full display throughout the night and it reached an apex in the second 45 minutes. The Mexican midfielder recorded two assists, providing service to both of Markanich's goals and recording six chances created in the match. Rodriguez additionally registered five recoveries, five accurate crosses, one interception and an 84% passing accuracy.
Markanich sealed Friday's victory with two goals by way of Rodriguez's helpers in the second half. The first goal was via a pinpoint header off a corner kick and the second showcased Markanich's skill on the ball by putting Loudoun in a spin cycle before slotting home the dagger. The forward also tallied three tackles won, six recoveries and 13 duels won.
It is Rodriguez and Markanich's third and fifth Team of the Week nod, respectively, of the 2023 season.
Rodriguez and Markanich's honors bring the Battery's total Team of the Week selections to 17, the most in the league.
The slate awards come as Charleston look to build upon the momentum of the 3-0 win over Loudoun to kick off the second half of the regular season. Following a road stand to start the month, Charleston will return home on Sat., July 22, to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Patriots Point.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 17
Bench: Alex Tambakis (NM), Alejandro Fuenmayor (PHX), Adrian Diz Pe (IND), Taylor Davila (RGV), Erickson Gallardo (PHX), Tani Oluwaseyi (SA), Wilmer Cabrera Jr. (RGV).
