IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s soccer honors, for the week ending Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Offensive Player of the Week
Luke Kelly * So. * M * Memphis
Kelly notched his first career goal at an opportune time for Memphis at Temple on Feb. 23, tallying the golden goal with just over one minute remaining in the second overtime period of a 2-1 victory for the Tigers. The Duquesne transfer broke a 1-1 tie from 12 yards out inside the left post on an assist from Caden Wells at 108:53 for the game winner.
Defensive Player of the Week
Avionne Flanagan * Sr. * D * USF
Flanagan helped guide USF to a 2-1 win over No. 14 UCF on Feb. 20 in his final collegiate game. The Bulls back line held the high powered Knights off the scoreboard for more than 81 minutes before an own goal closed the gap to 2-1, with Flanagan going the full 90 minutes. He will be turning professional and signing with the FC Cincinnati organization in the leadup to the 2021 MLS season.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Kazuna Takase * Sr. * GK * USF
Takase was sensational in the 2-1 win on Feb. 20 over No. 14 UCF between the posts for USF, stopping 12 shots against the Knights while surrendering an own goal. Takase made five saves in the second half with USF in the lead, including in the final 15 seconds of the match to preserve the win.
Rookie of the Week
Oscar Resano * Fr. * F * USF
Resano tallied her first career collegiate goal to kickstart the USF momentum in a 2-1 upset of No. 14 UCF on Feb. 20. Resano put the Bulls on the scoreboard with an unassisted strike at 11:46 on his only shot on goal of the contest.
Weekly Honor Roll
Henrique Gallina * Jr. * M * USF
Notched first goal of the season to provide insurance in the second half for USF of a 2-1 win over No. 14 UCF; found the back of the net at 54:41 from Victor Claudel for a 2-0 USF lead
Parker Lackland * Jr. * GK * Memphis
Made five saves, including two in extra time, in a 2-1 Memphis victory at Temple; made one save in both the first and second overtime periods
Ford Hunt * So. * M * Memphis
Played all 109 minutes of the 2-1 win over Temple in double overtime; the Tigers combined to hold Temple to six shots on goal for the match, including two attempts in extra time
Nikolas Hartmann * So. * GK * Temple
Logged six saves in 2-1 loss to Memphis in double overtime; turned away four shots on goal during the first half alone against the Tigers
Pierre Cayet * Sr. * D * Temple
Went the distance on the back line for Temple in the 2-1 loss to Memphis in double overtime; the Owls defense helped limit the Tigers to just three combined shots on goal in the second half and overtime periods