Bolanos dished out three assists while Bentley and Bryant each scored braces
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Monday that Richmond Kickers’ forward Jonathan Bolanos was named Week 11 Player of the Week after notching three assists and setting up the fourth goal in the Kickers’ 4-0 victory over Charlotte Independence, Saturday night. Midfielder Ethan Bryant and forward Matthew Bentley join Bolanos on the team of the week after the duo each scored two goals during the match. The trio’s team of the week-worthy performances are presented by Legends Soccer Co.
Bolanos earns his first Player of the Week honor since joining the team in his rookie season in 2020. This marks the second time the third-year pro has earned a weekly honor from the league after making the 2020 Week 13 Team of the Week.
“To be named USL League One Player of the Week is a great honor,” Bolanos said. “The time I had to spend away from the pitch to start the season was tough, but it allowed me to focus on being present, to actively observe our new lineups and how I may add to our attack when I got the chance.
“I would really like to thank our athletic trainer, Gigo [Rodrigo Perez], for getting me back on the field quickly and to the rest of the technical staff for their confidence in me.”
Since returning from an upper-body injury suffered in the team’s first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match on April 6, Bolanos quickly acclimated back into the team after appearing off the bench against North Carolina FC on May 28 and starting in every match since.
The 24-year-old erupted against Charlotte, assisting all three of the Kickers’ first-half goals – tying USL League One’s single-match assist record. He nearly made league history in the second half when he played a cross into the danger area as Emiliano Terzaghi and Bentley crashed into the box. The cross took a slight deflection off of a Charlotte defender, negating an assist credit, but finding Bentley on the back post for the Kickers’ fourth goal of the night.
“It was great to be able to contribute to all four goals,” Bolanos said. “Coming out fast and being aggressive on the attack was my mentality going into this game. I knew that if I was in the right areas in our game plan the chances would come.”
He finished with five chances created and two shots on target while winning 60 percent of his dribbles. On top of the success in the attack, Bolanos put in a complete shift, winning 8 of 13 total duels including winning 100 percent of his aerial duels. He also won possession four times and drew a foul.
Bolanos currently ranks first in the league with five assists and is averaging one assist per appearance this season.
“Overall, I’m very happy with our performance Saturday night,” Bolanos said. “It was a representation of how we are able to take control of games and start fast. From Akira [Fitzgerald] in goal and the backline to the midfielders and the attacking core – it was a fantastic team win and momentum builder for all of us.”
At the end of Bolanos’ created chances were Bentley and Bryant as they both recorded their first professional braces.
Bryant, whose brace also marked his first two goals as a member of the Kickers since joining in July 2021, makes his second appearance on the league’s team of the week in successive weeks. He was named to the week 10 team after dishing out two assists in the Kickers’ 3-0 win over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on June 1.
“I am really happy to be mentioned in the team of the week again, but, most importantly, I am happy with the dominant performance this past Saturday,” Bryant said. “When the team flourishes, it allows for individuals to get notoriety. We will bring the confidence from last week into this Saturday.”
The 20-year-old finished the match tied for a team-high eight final third entries while creating four chances.
Bentley makes his first appearance in the league’s weekly honors as his performance on Saturday saw him tie for the team lead in goals scored (4) with Terzaghi. The duo currently rank tied for fourth in the league, only two goals behind the league leader.
“I was buzzing with the team performance, my performance, and the two goals,” Bentley said. “I feel more comfortable playing as a 9, and I think that showed in the game too. I was on a bit of a goal drought so it was nice to get that weight off of my shoulders and back on the score sheet. Long may it continue.
“I’m pleased to make the team of the week for the first time and I want to make sure that I’m on it a few more times before the end of the season because it’ll mean the team is winning and I’m doing well.”
The Kickers stay at home for their final match of their June homestand on Saturday, June 18 when they host Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Black Heritage Celebration Night. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets. Doors open at 5 p.m. ahead of the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.Stay up to date with the latest news from the Kickers at RichmondKickers.com and on the official team app.
