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USL Playoffs: One player to watch on each of the 16 teams

By Carson A Merk

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 15, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Ben Speas (C) shoots the ball against Austin Aztex goalkeeper Cody Laurendi (L) during the second half at Mike A Myers Stadium. Columbus won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Ben Speas (C) shoots the ball against Austin Aztex goalkeeper Cody Laurendi (L) during the second half at Mike A Myers Stadium. Columbus won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

OKC Energy FC’s Cody Laurendi

The big bearded goalkeeper has played a lot of soccer for someone only 28 years old. He’s played in Belgium, the NASL with Puerto Rico and Fort Lauderdale, and the USL with LA Galaxy 2, Austin Aztex, and now the OKC Energy.

No matter where he is playing, one thing is the same, his consistent great play in goal. This year, he allowed under one goal per match, and pushed a team that often struggled to score, into the playoffs. He also recently earned his first call up to the Puerto Rican national team.

Rio Grande Valley FC’s Charlie Ward

Clockwork is the easiest way to describe Englishman Charlie Ward. Not only was he one of only three USL players to play every second of their team’s regular season matches, he also makes the Toros’ offense tick. Statistically, he only finished with two assists, but if you watch a match, he will be the first player you notice for Rio Grande Valley.

He works constantly in the midfield, collecting passes from the back line and distributing them to the attacker he deems in the best position. A former Stoke City and Aston Villa youth player, Ward is also a very willing defender, in addition to his offensive prowess.

October 1st at 8:30pm EDT from H-E-B Park Training Complex. Watch it live HERE. 

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