Juan Caffa played a key role in a season-opening 4-1 win for the Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday, and today he was recognized for the performance in his Tulsa debut. Caffa was named to this season’s first USL Team of the Week.
The Argentinean earned his spot by scoring Tulsa’s first goal of the year on a beautifully taken first-half free kick. He later picked up an assist when he set up Francisco Ugarte’s first USL goal with a free kick cross into the penalty area.
It was an impressive debut for the former La Liga forward. Caffa, who began his career with Boca Juniors in Argentina, spent time in Spain with Real Betis and Real Zaragoza. He served as captain for the Roughnecks and head coach David Vaudreuil in Saturday’s opener.
TRFC forward Ian Svantesson earned an honorable mention spot on the bench for the USL Team of the Week. Svantesson scored two goals in Saturday’s victory.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Corey Hertzog edged Caffa for the USL Player of the Week award. Hertzog, who recorded a pair of goals, the first a highlight-reel finish, and the second a late equalizer, to help the Riverhounds earn a 3-3 draw against defending USL Cup champions the New York Red Bulls II. Hertzog received 42 percent of the vote in a poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representatives from every USL market. Caffa finished second with 29 percent.
The complete USL Team of the Week is listed below.
TRFC will return to action this Saturday, April 1, when it hosts Rio Grande Valley at ONEOK Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:00pm. Tickets are available at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office or by visiting RoughnecksFC.com.
USL Team of the Week
GK – Travis Worra, Richmond Kickers: Worra recorded a five-save shutout, including a penalty kick save in the first half, as the Kickers opened their 25th season with a 1-0 victory.
D – Emrah Klimenta, Sacramento Republic FC: In his first game since a torn ACL brought his 2016 season to a premature end, Klimenta scored the game-winning goal in Republic FC’s 2-1 win against Seattle.
D – Conor Shanosky, Richmond Kickers: The Kickers’ captain scored the only goal to lift Richmond to a 1-0 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders in front of a club-record crowd of 8,021 at City Stadium.D – Sebastian Ibeagha, San Antonio FC: Ibeagha was excellent in his debut for SAFC, recording 10 clearances as his side took a 1-0 road victory against Rio Grande Valley FC in the South Texas Derby.
M – Justin Portillo, Charleston Battery: Portillo recorded the game-winning goal and an assist to top off a strong all-around performance as the Battery defeated FC Cincinnati 2-1.
M – Carlos Alvarez, Orange County SC: Alvarez was the key element in Orange County’s 2-0 victory on the road against Reno, playing a role in both goals and linking play throughout.
M – Juan Caffa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: The Argentinian made a big impact during his debut for Tulsa, scoring a spectacular free kick and providing the assist on a late goal as the Roughnecks defeated Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 4-1.
M – Vincent Bezecourt, New York Red Bulls II: Bezecourt got his second season with New York off to a flying start with a pair of goals in the Red Bulls II’s 3-3 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
F – Corey Hertzog, Pittsburgh Riverhounds: A 2016 All-League selection, Hertzog picked up where he left off with two goals in a 3-3 draw against New York, including a highlight-reel tally and the late equalizer.
F – Duke Lacroix, Orange County SC: Lacroix bagged a pair of goals in his Orange County debut, including a fine solo effort that gave the side a two-goal lead before halftime against Reno.
F – Daniel Salloi, Swope Park Rangers: The young standout recorded the assist on Latif Blessing’s game-winning goal before adding a tally of his own in a 3-1 win against OKC Energy FC.
