TAMPA, Fla. – The backline stepped up in a big way as Birmingham Legion FC achieved four points over the course of four days with a 1-1 draw against North Carolina FC last Wednesday and a 1-0 victory at Loudoun United FC the following Saturday. For their individual efforts in the two matches — including a goal from each, defenders Stephen Turnbull and AJ Paterson earned USL Championship Team of the Week honors for Week 31, the league announced on Tuesday.
Turnbull made his mark against North Carolina FC, not only with his equalizer in second half stoppage time, but also by turning in a comprehensive defensive performance in just his second start at center back. The converted outside back was a rock in the back, winning all three of his tackles and completing 55 of his 60 passes as Legion FC held its opponents to just six total shots and a 0.49 expected goals metric.
The following match was Paterson’s turn to shine in defense with the veteran leading the way with nine clearances as the Birmingham defense was unwavering despite constant pressure from Loudoun. The veteran Paterson connected on 24 of his passes on the afternoon, including a long ball over the top to forward Tyler Pasher that led to a foul in the box midway through the first half. Paterson then finished the job with a strong left-footed strike from the spot for his first goal of the season and second since joining Legion FC in 2024.
Tuesday’s Team of the Week selection marks the first this season for Paterson and the second for Turnbull, joining his Week 17/18 honors. Other Three Sparks to get selected this season are Jake Rufe in Week 27, following Amir Daley, Sebastian Tregarthen and Samuel Shashoua in Week 26. Pasher, Ronaldo Damus and Danny Trejo were honored for Week 19, along with Matt Van Oekel in Week 17/18. Other selections include Pasher in Week 12, Damus in Week 6 and Kobe Hernandez-Foster in Week 3.
Miami FC forward Tobias Zarate was named Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball for Week 31 following his two-goal performance in a win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. 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.
Legion FC returns to action on Sunday October 19 for its final home match of the 2025 campaign when it welcomes Miami FC to Protective Stadium. Kickoff for the Fan Appreciation match is set for 4:00 p.m. CT and festivities include, face-painters, balloon artists, inflatables and more family fun. The first 1,000 fans to arrive through the stadium gates will also receive a free replica kit, courtesy of Pegasus Luxury Transport.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31
GK – Colin Shutler, Orange County SC: In a one-loss, one-draw week for Orange County, Shutler made 10 saves, conceded one goal, recorded one clean sheet, completed 85% of his passes, added 13 recoveries and connected on 10 long passes.
D – Stephen Turnbull, Birmingham Legion FC: Turnbull tallied an equalizer deep in second-half stoppage time to salvage a draw against North Carolina on Wednesday, following up his performance with a 90-minute shift in a 1-0 victory against Loudoun on Saturday. The 27-year-old finished the week with 12 recoveries, 10 duels won, an 84% passing accuracy rate, seven clearances, four tackles won, three interceptions, three dribbles completed and three completed long passes.
D – Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The French Guiana international assisted Woobens Pacius’ match-winning score against Monterey Bay on Saturday. The 31-year-old completed 91% of his passes, won five duels, added three clearances and connected on all three of his long balls.
D – Josh Jones, Louisville City FC: Jones helped Louisville win its sixth consecutive match, simultaneously leading his side to its fourth shutout across its last six matches. The first-year professional totaled 20 clearances, won seven of his eight duels, completed 60% of his passes, registered three blocks, reeled in three recoveries and connected on two long balls.
M – Giordano Colli, FC Tulsa: The 25-year-old Australian registered the first multi-goal-contribution match of his young professional career, notching a goal and an assist in Tulsa’s 3-0 victory against Lexington. Colli also completed 82% of his passes, created five total chances, tallied five recoveries and completed three crosses.
M – Kevon Lambert, Louisville City FC: The Jamaica international provided the assist on Amadou Dia’s match-winning strike against Indy. Lambert also won 12 duels, completed 58% of his passes, won three tackles, added three clearances, completed both of his dribbles,
M – Jeciel Cedeño, Detroit City FC: Cedeño won and converted the match-winning penalty kick in Detroit’s 2-0 victory against North Carolina. The 25-year-old also won seven of his eight duels, earned five fouls, added five recoveries and completed 71% of his passes.
M – Jamie Webber, FC Tulsa: Tulsa’s South African talent posted a brace for the first time in his professional career, lifting his side to a 3-0 victory against Lexington. The 27-year-old also completed 67% of his passes, won five duels, added four recoveries and connected on three crosses.
F – Amando Moreno, El Paso Locomotive FC: Moreno led El Paso to an unbeaten Week 31, recording a brace in a 3-1 midweek victory against Oakland before playing 81 minutes in a scoreless draw against Orange County. In total, the 30-year-old completed 78% of his passes, added seven recoveries, won six duels and created two chances.
F – Woobens Pacius, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The Haiti international scored twice in Tampa Bay’s 4-0 victory against Monterey Bay on Saturday. Pacius also completed 70% of his passes, placed three total shots on target and won one duel.
F – Tobías Zárate, Miami FC: The first-year Miami forward scored twice in 11 minutes, helping Miami to a 3-1 victory against Pittsburgh with his first USL Championship goals. Through 86 minutes, Zárate completed 77% of his passes, won four duels and completed two long passes.
Coach – Gastón Maddoni, Miami FC: Maddoni helped Miami overcome a halftime deficit against Pittsburgh, securing a 3-1 victory to snap a 16-match winless streak across all competitions.
Bench – Carlos Herrera (DET), AJ Paterson (BHM), Talen Maples (NM), Taylor Davila (LOU), Eric Calvillo (ELP), Danny Crisostomo (TBR), Dominik Wanner (SAC)
