TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 6 of the 2023 regular season on Tuesday, with Charleston Battery forward Augustine Williams voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording both goals in his side’s 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium last Wednesday night.

The Sierra Leone international has hit a rich vein of form in April, helping the Battery continue an undefeated start to the new season across all competition and into first place in the Eastern Conference. Against the Rowdies, Williams pulled the Battery level early in the second half before delivering a highlight-reel finish in second-half stoppage time to grab victory for the visitors in dramatic fashion. The win was part of a two-win week for Charleston, which earned four players on the Team of the Week overall including a second consecutive selection for fellow forward Nick Markanich.

Williams earned 65 percent of the ballot to claim the award. Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello finished second on 18 percent after recording a six-save shutout in his side’s 4-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Heart Health Park as Republic FC continued its undefeated start to the campaign.

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. 

GK – Danny Vitiello, Sacramento Republic FC: The former Golden Glove winner recorded a six-save shutout in Sacramento’s 4-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, his fourth consecutive clean sheet in league play.

D – Koa Santos, Loudoun United FC: Santos had a stellar all-around performance in Loudoun’s 3-0 victory against Birmingham Legion FC, recording one assist and four chances created while recording four clearances, two interceptions and nine recoveries.

D – Derek Dodson, Charleston Battery: The 24-year-old put in two impressive performances, including recording an assist in the side’s 2-1 victory at FC Tulsa while winning 9 of 9 duels, 2 of 2 aerial duels and 4 of 6 tackles defensively at ONEOK Field.

D – Lucas Stauffer, Las Vegas Lights FC: The veteran full back recorded a goal and assist in Lights FC’s 2-2 draw at Memphis 901 FC, keeping the side undefeated this season, while winning 7 of 11 duels and 2 of 3 tackles defensively.

M – Kalil ElMedkhar, Loudoun United FC: The 23-year-old recorded a goal and assist as Loudoun swept to victory at home to Birmingham Legion FC and recorded four shots and five chances created at Segra Field.

M – Sam Hamilton, New Mexico United: New Mexico’s captain scored an early goal and put in a strong two-way shift in his side’s 1-1 draw with San Diego Loyal SC, winning 9 of 14 duels, 4 of 4 aerial duels, 4 of 6 tackles and completing 34 of 40 passes.

M – Kenardo Forbes, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: The Jamaican veteran put in a strong all-around display, notching his first goal of the season and winning 5 of 7 duels while making 10 recoveries in the Hounds’ 2-0 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.

M – Dante Polvara, Charleston Battery: The Aberdeen FC loanee scored the game-winner in the Battery’s victory against FC Tulsa for his first goal in the professional ranks and over two victories completed 68 of 83 passes and won 8 of 10 tackles and 13 of 18 duels.

F – Augustine Williams, Charleston Battery: The Sierra Leone international scored both goals as the Battery took victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night and had five shots and two chances created across Charleston’s two wins on the week.

F – Zach Ryan, Loudoun United FC: Ryan continued his strong start to the campaign with a goal and assist in Loudoun’s victory against Birmingham Legion FC while also recording four chances created and completing 2 of 2 dribbles at Segra Field.

F – Nick Markanich, Charleston Battery: The 23-year-old scored the opening goal in Charleston’s victory at FC Tulsa and put in a strong shift across the side’s two victories, recording six shots and three chances created while winning 6 of 7 tackles and 17 of 31 duels.

Bench: Oliver Semmle (LOU), Kevon Lambert (PHX), Gaoussou Samaké (LDN), Jeremy Kelly (MEM), Charlie Adams (SD), Rodrigo Lopez (SAC), Prince Saydee (HFD)