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Vancaeyezeele earns spot on USL Team of Week after impressive two-way performance

Riverhounds SC rookie 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.

In addition to his goal, Saturday’s effort by Vancaeyezeele showed his versatility — as he started the game as the Hounds central defender in a 3-5-1-1 formation, but after Head Coach Bob Lilley made second half substitutions, was moved up to the attacking midfield.

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 University of Charleston (W.Va) product 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.

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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