UC Irvine midfielder Matt Murphy (Anaheim Hills, CA/Mater Dei HS) capped an outstanding week on the field with the Big West Player of the Week award.
The sophomore, who was also named to the College Soccer News Team of the Week, continued his brillant play with a pair of goals and an assist at the UNLV Rebel Classic, leading UCI to the tournament crown. Murphy tallied the game-winner in the Anteaters' opening match against UMBC, then assisted on the eventual game-clinching goal two days later against Saint Mary's.
Despite being on a club with the defending Big West Offensive Player of the Year (Brad Evans) and the conference's top scorer from a year ago (Anthony Hamilton), Murphy's star has shined the brightest as he leads the conference in points (14), goals (6) and is tied for seventh in assists (2).