Michel Named NASL Player of the Week
Rayo OKC midfielder Michel is named NASL Player of the Week after recording three goals in two matches during Week 16 of the Fall Season. Michel led the club to two wins that vaulted Rayo OKC to the fourth spot as they sit tied with Minnesota United on points.
NASL Soccer News: After recording a pair of wins in Week 16 of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season, Rayo OKC joined Minnesota United in the driver’s seat of the playoff race. Playing a key role in Rayo OKC’s victories was midfielder Michel, who has been named NASL Player of the Week after recording three goals in the club’s two matches.
The 35-year-old Brazilian struck home the winner in Rayo’s 1-0 victory over the Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday night. He then tallied two goals in the club’s 3-1 win over Ottawa Fury FC at Miller Stadium on Sunday.
“It feels great to be recognized,” Michel said. “I’m in one of the best moments of my career so far. Every time I step on the field, I try to do my best and I know that God is blessing me.”
Rayo’s road win at Carolina looked destined to end a scoreless draw heading into the final ten minutes of the match. Michel provided Rayo OKC with a moment of heroics when he rifled a shot into the roof of the net from about eight yards out. The game-winning goal came in the 82nd minute.
In front of the home fans on Sunday, Michel brought Rayo level in the 36th minute off a pass from defender Futty Danso that he put into the back of the net. Later, with Rayo up one goal, the 6-foot-2 midfielder fired home his second goal of the match to give his side a 3-1 lead.
“Michel is fully deserving of this week’s honor,” said Rayo head coach Gerard Nus. “He’s one of the best captains that any team can have, and his professionalism is an inspiration to those around him.”
The pair of results elevated Rayo into a tie, on points, with Minnesota United for fourth place in the Combined Standings – the final playoff position of The Championship. Minnesota holds the advantage on goal differential, but there are still two matches to be played and Rayo are red hot. The club has won its last three matches, and hasn’t lost in its last eight overall.
Michel’s recent goal-scoring form has put him back in the hunt for the NASL Golden Boot. The Vitoria, Brazil, native has recoreded 14 goals this campaign – the same total as Indy Eleven’s Eamon Zayed and the New York Cosmos’ Juan Arango. The trio is chasing Minnesota’s Christian Ramirez, who now sits on 18 goals after tallying a brace over the weekend.
Michel signed with Rayo prior to the 2016 season after spending three seasons with FC Dallas. Rayo now travels to Fort Lauderdale to take on the Strikers on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen live on ESPN3 (U.S.) and NASL.com (Canada).
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
