IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s soccer honors, for the week ending Sunday, October 10.
Offensive Player of the Week
Maxi Galizzi * Sr. * F * Memphis
Galizzi turned in a sensational performance for Memphis in a 3-2 win in overtime against No. 10/8 SMU on Oct. 9. Galizzi attempted a match-high six shot attempts and converted both of his shots on goal on the night for the Tigers. Galizzi found the back of the net at 26:10 to open the Memphis goal account and, with the Tigers trailing 2-1, answered the Mustangs less than 30 seconds after SMU took its only lead to complete a brace at 86:44 to ultimately send the match to overtime.
Defensive Player of the Week
Artur De Luca * Sr. * M/D * Memphis
De Luca and the Memphis defense turned in another gritty performance in an upset of No. 10/8 SMU on Oct. 9, limiting the high-powered Mustang offense to just four shots on goal in a 3-2 overtime victory. De Luca also came through on the score sheet once more, scoring the match-winning goal from the penalty spot at 98:42 for his third goal of the season.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Kazuna Takase * Jr. * GK * South Florida
Takase made a triumphant return to the South Florida lineup at Temple on Oct. 9, posting a second clean sheet on the season in a 3-0 victory. Takase stonewalled the Owls with three saves in the first half and turned away an additional shot in the second frame to keep the Bulls well in front.
Rookie of the Week
Bailey Sparks * Fr. * F * SMU
Sparks made an impact after coming on as a reserve for No. 10/8 SMU in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Memphis on Oct. 9. Sparks played a total of 70 minutes and attempted two shots, scoring his first career goal at 86:18 to briefly give the Mustangs a 2-1 lead.
Weekly Honor Roll
Tyler Lavigne * R-Sr. * GK * UCF
Made a match-high six saves to defeat No. 6/4 Tulsa 3-2 on Oct. 10; stopped four shots in the first half and made two stops in the second half
Robbie Soronellas * Jr. * M * UCF
Helped key the UCF midfield in a strong 3-2 win over No. 6/4 Tulsa on Oct. 10; the Knights held the potent Golden Hurricane attack below its season average in goals
Nick Taylor * 5th * F/M * UCF
Posted three points for the UCF attack in a 3-2 victory against No. 6/4 Tulsa on Oct. 10; notched his second goal of the year at 50:22 and registered his conference-high eighth assist of the season later in the match
JT Copper * Fr. * F * South Florida
Scored the match-winning goal at 43:53 for South Florida in a 3-0 shutout win at Temple on Oct. 9
Liam Cummings * So. * GK * Temple
Made seven saves in a 2-0 shutout of Princeton on Oct. 6; logged three second-half saves to limit South Florida in a 3-0 setback for Temple against the Bulls on Oct. 9