PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s soccer honors for the week ending Oct. 18.
Offensive Player of the Week
Mauro Cichero * So. * F * SMU
Cichero scored the game-winning goal for No. 21/20 SMU in a 1-0 (2OT) victory over Cincinnati Saturday evening at Gettler Stadium. The sophomore netted the game-winner in the 107th minute to give the Mustangs the win and help keep them atop the American standings. Cichero has a league-leading five goals in conference play.
Defensive Player of the Week
Cole Poppen * Fr. * B * Tulsa
Freshman defender Cole Poppen played all 90 minutes Saturday evening against Temple, the Hurricane’s only game of the week. He helped Tulsa earn a 2-0 shutout win and on the offensive end he tallied three shots, one of which was on goal.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Jake Leeker * So. * Memphis
Leeker made 12 saves last week to lead Memphis to a win over Georgia State and a double overtime draw against No. 12/17 USF. In Friday’s double overtime affair against the Bulls, Leeker played all 110 minutes and stopped six shots, including a crucial save in the second OT period to keep the game scoreless.
Rookie of the Week
Abdou Mbacke Thiam * Fr. * F * UConn
Thiam scored his team leading fourth goal of the year in Saturday’s 2-1 win over UCF. The freshman recorded two shots in the win over the Knights and logged a shot Wednesday at Louisville.
Weekly Honor Roll
Pedro Diaz * Sr. * GK * Cincinnati
Made 10 saves in a 1-1 week for Cincinnati, stopped eight shots in a double OT loss to No. 21/20 SMU
Raul Gonzalez * Jr. * M/F * Memphis
Assisted on the Tigers’ first goal against Georgia State before scoring the game winner
Austin Stone * Sr. * B * Memphis
Contributed to a shutout of No. 12/17 USF, anchored the Memphis defense to a 1-0-1 week
Carlos Moros Gracia * Jr. * B * Temple
Scored his second goal of the season in a 3-1 win over Columbia on Tuesday
Jake McGuire * Jr. * GK * Tulsa
Recorded his first shutout of the season and made six saves in a 2-0 win over Temple