PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s soccer honors for the week ending Sunday, Aug. 27.
Offensive Player of the Week
Mauro Cichero * Sr. * F * SMU
Cichero scored his first career hat trick on Friday in SMU’s 3-2 win over UC Davis, the Mustangs’ lone game of the week. The senior scored his final goal of the night in game-winning fashion in the 89
th minute to give SMU the lead after trailing late in the second period. Cichero leads the league in points and goals after opening weekend.
Defensive Player of the Week
Malik Suleman * Jr. * B/M * Cincinnati
Suleman scored his first goal as a Bearcat and helped lead the Cincinnati backline by limiting Gardner-Webb to one goal in Friday’s 3-1 win over the Runnin’ Rebels. Cincinnati is now 11-3-3 in season-openers under head coach Hylton Dayes.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Noah Lawrence * Fr. * Cincinnati
Lawrence made his college debut on Friday by playing all 90 minutes in the net. The freshman made three saves, each coming in the second half, and earned the win in Cincinnati’s 3-1 victory over Gardner-Webb.
Rookie of the Week
Darryn Commissiong * Fr. * M * Cincinnati
Commissiong scored the game-winning goal for Cincinnati, his first career goal, in the Bearcats’ 3-1 season-opening win over Gardner-Webb on Friday. The forward found the back of the net in the 33
rd minute in the victory over the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Commissiong took three shots on the night, two of which were on goal.
Weekly Honor Roll
Yannik Oettl * Fr. * GK * UCF
Made eight saves in season opener at Duke, named to the John Rennie Nike All-Tournament Team
David Sanz * So. * M * Cincinnati
Scored three points, a goal and an assist, in a 3-1 win over Gardner-Webb
Abdou Mbacke Thiam * Jr. * F * UConn
Led the UConn offensive attack with seven shots vs. Iona
Rollie Rocha * Sr. * M * Tulsa
Scored the second goal against Wisconsin in a 2-2 (2OT) draw
Miguel Velasquez * R-So. * F * Tulsa
Scored the opening goal in a 2-2 double overtime draw vs. Wisconsin