The USL Championship announced Tuesday that Charleston Battery forward Nick Markanich (pictured) was named the Week 8 Player of the Week, presented by Konami eFootball. Mark Segbers, Emilio Ycaza and Aaron Molloy also picked up selections to the league’s Team of the Week.
Markanich turned in one of the performances of the year with a four-goal, one-assist game in the 6-0 victory over Las Vegas FC. The forward had a hat trick after 37 minutes and completed the haul (or poker) shortly after halftime. With 11 goals to his name, Markanich is now America’s top goalscorer across domestic league matches.
The four-goal game by Markanich was the first by a Battery player in the club’s USL Championship era. He additionally became just the second player in league history to record both four goals and one assist in a match.
It’s the second Player of the Week nod for Markanich this season, who also won the award in Week 6, and the fourth Team of the Week honor.
Segbers had a strong showing at right-back on offense and defense. Segbers assisted Aaron Molloy for the sixth goal of the afternoon. He additionally recorded a team-high three interceptions, along with four duels won, 13 recoveries and an 87% passing accuracy. It’s Segbers’ first Team of the Week selection of the season.
Molloy lands on his second consecutive Team of the Week list after a complete and all-around performance. Molloy’s goal was a first-time worldie from distance that curled into the top corner from an improbable trajectory. He recorded match-highs in chances created (three), tackles won (three, tied) and recoveries (14). It’s his third Team of the Week selection of 2024.
Ycaza had a hand in two of Markanich’s goals. His first was an assist in the 4th minute, providing Markanich a clever through ball while having his back to the forward. Ycaza later won the penalty that led to Markanich’s third goal of the game. The midfielder additionally tallied a match-high nine duels won. The selection is Ycaza’s second of the year.
The haul of Team of the Week nods brings the Battery’s season total to 13.
Markanich earned 92% of the Player of the Week ballot to claim the award. The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.
Charleston are home again on Sat., May 4, against Hartford Athletic. Tickets for the April 27 fixture are on sale now via SeatGeak.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
USL Championship Team – Week 8
GK – Colin Shutler, Orange County SC
D – Mark Segbers, Charleston Battery
D – Pat Hogan, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
D – Anish Chattha, Orange County SC
M – Jake Morris, Louisville City FC
M – Aaron Molloy, Charleston Battery
M – Emilio Ycaza, Charleston Battery
M – Bruno Lapa, Memphis 901 FC
F – Nick Markanich, Charleston Battery
F – Cal Jennings, Tampa Bay Rowdies
F – Kieran Phillips, Sacramento Republic FC
Coach – James Chambers, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Bench: Tyler Deric (MEM), Lucas Turci (MEM), Callum Chapman-Page (IND), Danny Griffin (PIT), Emil Cuello (PHX), Maalique Foster (COS), Manuel Arteaga (TBR)
