The United Soccer League announced earlier today their Team of the Week for Week 14, and for the first time this season, Sacramento Republic FC defender Justin Schmidt was selected.

In two starts last week against Fresno FC and San Antonio FC, Schmidt completed 116 of 125 passes and added four interceptions and seven clearances. It’s worth noting that over those two matches, Republic FC as a team only gave up one goal.

In fact, if you look across the Republic’s last nine matches (all the way back to May 16), the Quails have only conceded five goals. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider the new players that Republic Manager Simon Elliott had to fold in, and the fact that it wasn’t that long ago that there were some concerns with the back line.

After joining the Republic FC in the off-season from Real Salt Lake, Schmidt has really become a go-to for Elliott, making nine starts, 11 overall appearances and logging 820 minutes.

How do you think Schmidt has preformed so far this season? What about the back line? Sound off in the comments section below!