FRISCO, Texas - North Texas SC forward Thibaut Jacquel has been named USL Player of the Week for Week 3 after scoring two goals on his professional debut in the club's 4-2 win in its home opener at Globe Life Park on Saturday, April 24.
Jacquel, who joined North Texas in the offseason after being drafted by FC Dallas in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, scored the team's first goal of season with a first-time volley from Hope Avayevu's lofted cross to tie the game 1-1 in the 28th minute.
With North Texas 2-1 down with 20 minutes remaining, Jacquel stepped up again and leveled the game with a perfectly placed free kick, beating former NTSC goalkeeper Luis Zamudio who signed with Fort Lauderdale CF in the offseason. In addition to his two goals, Jacquel contributed to the victory with 40 passes (92% accuracy), one chance created and one tackle to earn his first USL Player of the Week and Team of the Week honors.
Teammates Gibran Rayo and Derek Waldeck were also recognized after the win, with both players joining Jacquel in Team of the Week. Rayo scored North Texas' third goal (which turned out to be the game-winner) and led the game with three successful dribbles, as well as completing 91% of his passes. Waldeck makes his second-career Team of the Week appearance after leading the team with 64 passes (81% accuracy), assisting Bernard Kamungo for the club's fourth goal, winning four duels and making four interceptions.
