German Netminder’s First PK Stop in Championship Action Leads to “Best XI” Nod
Indy Eleven goalkeeper Yannik Oettl marked a memorable debut between the posts for Indiana’s Team last Saturday with his inclusion on the USL Championship’s Team of the Week following the league’s opening weekend of action.
Oettl made a fantastic first impression for his new squad with a pair of saves against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, including the first penalty kick save of his budding USL Championship career. Those stops helped keep the Eleven within arm’s reach and allowed Aodhan Quinn’s stoppage time penalty to earn an away point for Indy via a 1-1 draw at Al Lang Stadium.
Oettl’s evening was highlighted in the 20th minute by the lone PK save of three attempts leaguewide during the Championship’s Round 1, a strong one-handed stop of an attempt by his former University of Central Florida teammate – and roommate – Cal Jennings.
The 26-year-old netminder also came up big later in the first half on a low effort by former Boy in Blue Connor Antley and did well to patrol his area throughout an active evening that saw the Rowdies fire 10 shots in total.
This marks the second Team of the Week honor in the Munich native’s brief USL Championship tenure, as he was named to the Week 28 “Best XI” last September during his half-season as a member of Hartford Athletic. Oettl is currently in his third professional campaign stateside after beginning his pro career with New England Revolution II in the summer of 2021.
Monterey Bay F.C. forward Alex Dixon was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after scoring both the first hat trick of his career, and the first hat trick in MBFC history, in his side’s victory against Hartford Athletic at Cardinale Stadium. 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.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1
GK – Yannik Oettl, Indy Eleven: Oettl made a key first-half penalty save – the first of his USL Championship career – to help Indy earn a 1-1 draw on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
D – Amadou Dia, Louisville City FC: Dia recorded one assist and had a stellar game defensively in LouCity’s 3-1 win at Orange County, winning 3 of 3 tackles, 6 of 7 duels and 5 of 6 aerial duels.
D – Lamar Batista, San Antonio FC: The center back recorded a pair of highlight-reel goals in SAFC’s victory against Oakland Roots SC and defensively won 3 of 3 tackles and 6 of 7 aerial duels at Toyota Field.
D – Jackson Kasanzu, San Diego Loyal SC: The 19-year-old center back scored the only goal of the game and was solid in SD Loyal’s back line, winning 2 of 2 tackles and 4 of 6 aerial duels in his side’s 1-0 win against Detroit City FC at Torero Stadium.
D – Alex Crognale, Birmingham Legion FC: Crognale scored the opening goal for Legion FC in its 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and also completed 47 of 58 passes and won 4 of 4 aerial duels at Protective Stadium.
M – Zach Ryan, Loudoun United FC: Ryan recorded two goals and one assist, having a hand in all three goals as Loudoun claimed a 3-1 victory on the road against Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park.
M – Florian Valot, Miami FC: Valot produced a highlight-reel strike to open the scoring in Miami’s 1-1 draw with FC Tulsa and completed 51 of 61 passes, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and won 5 of 8 duels in a strong all-around display.
M – Kalil ElMedkhar, Loudoun United FC: ElMedkhar notched one assist and three chances created while completing two dribbles and making three interceptions and five recoveries in Loudoun’s road victory at Memphis 901 FC.
F – Alex Dixon, Monterey Bay F.C.: Dixon recorded the first hat trick of his career – and the first in Monterey Bay’s history – to lead the side to a 5-3 victory against Hartford Athletic at Cardinale Stadium.
F – Prince Saydee, Hartford Athletic: Saydee bagged a pair of goals, completed 3 of 3 dribbles and won 8 of 8 duels in a losing effort for Hartford on the road against Monterey Bay F.C.
F – Brian Ownby, Louisville City FC: Ownby recorded a pair of assists, making him LouCity’s all-time leader in helpers, and had two shots while winning 3 of 4 duels defensively in his side’s victory at Orange County SC.
Bench: Michael Nelson (TUL), Paco Craig (MIA), Edgardo Rito (OAK), Joe Corona (SD), Robbie Mertz (PIT), PC (SA), Russell Cicerone (SAC)
