USL Week 21 Pro honors announced

Arrieta named Player of the Week
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced the USL First Division Team of the Week honors Tuesday for Week 21 of the season, honoring Puerto Rico’s Cristian Arrieta as the Player of the Week.
Puerto Rico continues to lead the USL First Division and despite having played a big CONCACAF Champions League game two nights prior, the Islanders gave their full effort in a 1-0 victory over their co-league leading Vancouver Whitecaps Friday evening to claim sole possession of first as they head down the stretch in the race for the Commissioner’s Cup and a first round bye to the Semifinals.
Helping lead the charge was defender Cristian Arrieta, who not only helped shut out the visitors, but played a large role in the attack throughout the game.
In the 17th minute, a great cross from Kendall Jagdeosingh found Arrieta on the right flank ready for the kill, but goalkeeper Jay Nolly was also ready for the stop. In the second half, a fantastic cross from Arrieta gave Petter Villegas a great chance to put a point on the board in minute 46. It was again a no go. Later, a scramble in front of Nolly’s box placed the ball at Arrieta’s feet. But his fierce shot was cleared by an alert Whitecaps defense and the corner that ensued was not converted.
It appeared the two sides were destined to remain tied for the game and in the league table, but on the last minute of play, a freshly inserted Noah Delgado was quick to see Arrieta’s intention to center him the perfect pass, blasting a fantastic header into the back of the net for the win and sole possession of first.
Arrieta and the Islanders defense has been extremely difficult to overcome, having not allowed more than one goal in any game since their August 1 defeat to Seattle 2-1. Since then they have had a record of 5-0-4 (1-0-3 on the road), giving up just three goals.
Arrieta, who has had two goals and an assist also during that run, is among the scoring leaders on the club with five goals and two assists. The Italian-American born in Panama came to the Islanders with experience playing in Serie B and C in Italy.
In their CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round series against Alajuelense, they only allowed one goal in each leg to the Costa Rican powerhouse, allowing them to record the upset series victory.