IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s soccer awards for the week ending Sunday, August 25.
Offensive Player of the Week
Xavier Rimpel, Sr., F, Temple
Rimpel had a goal and two assists for the Owls in the win against Villanova. His goal in the 62nd minute was the game-winning goal and gave Temple their first win of the season.
Defensive Player of the Week
Ian Pilcher, Jr., D, Charlotte
Pilcher scored the game-winning goal for Charlotte with a header off a corner kick. He anchored the defense that allowed just four shots, none on goal.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Nigel Van Haveren, So., GK, FIU
Van Haveren made seven saves in the season opener for the Panthers. It’s the most saves by a Panthers in three seasons.
Freshman of the Week
Charlie Votel, Fr., F, Temple
Votel scored his first career goal in the 21st minute to help lead the Owls past Villanova 3-2 on Sunday.
Weekly Honorable Mention
Brigham, Larsen, Sr., F, Charlotte
Larsen finished with three points in a 3-0 win over Davidson in the season opener, scoring one goal and assisting on another.
Nacho Alfaro, Sr., GK, Florida Atlantic
Alfaro had a combined 11 saves in two games, including seven saves in the match at Omaha.
Sebastian Zettl, Jr., M, Florida Atlantic
Zettl scored both goals for the Owls in the match at Omaha.
Kemali Green, Gr., D, Temple
Green played all 90 minutes in both matches for the Owls, anchoring the defense to a win and a draw for the week.