TAMPA, Fla. – Charlotte Independence forward Tresor Mbuyu has been voted USL League One’s Player of the Month for April after opening the campaign with three goals and one assist in Charlotte's first month in League One.
"I am honored to receive this award for the first month of the season," Mbuyu said. "A big part of my success this season has been my teammates playing well; individually I am building good chemistry with them. I thank my teammates for helping me achieve this."
In his first match of the season, Mbuyu broke the deadlock against Central Valley Fuego FC on a deflected goal off a Diego Rocha free kick from the edge of the penalty area. Fuego FC later found its equalizer, but the Independence responded, as Mbuyu tapped the ball over the sliding Central Valley goalkeeper following a perfect assist from Miguel Ibarra.
In Charlotte's second match, Ibarra knocked in a pass from Tresor Mbuyu in the 14th minute against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. The remainder of the match was even until a Hailstorm turnover near midfield led to a quick break and Tresor Mbuyu winner in stoppage time.
"Tresor has been our most dynamic attacking player – showing a willingness to take players on and make plays in the final third," Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. "I am proud of him; he came into preseason in great fitness and with the confidence to take a leadership role and make an impact with our team."
One of the longest-tenured Jacks in Charlotte, Mbuyu is enjoying his best professional season with only one month gone. The Congolese forward has already attained a career-high in goals scored in a season with three and has added an assist to lead the league in goals and assists per 90 minutes at 1.45.
Mbuyu received 55% of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC’s Irvin Parra finished second on 14% after recording two goals and creating seven chances, while the Richmond Kickers' Emiliano Terzaghi finished third on 13% after recording three goals.
Nominee | Fan Vote | Weight | USL Vote | Weight | Total Vote |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tresor Mbuyu (CLT) | 25% | 15% | 100% | 40% | 55% |
Irvin Parra (NCO) | 24% | 14% | 0% | 0% | 14% |
Emiliano Terzaghi (RIC) | 22% | 13% | 0% | 0% | 13% |
Miguel Ibarra (CLT) | 21% | 13% | 0% | 0% | 13% |
Akira Fitzgerald (RIC) | 9% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 5% |