UC Irvine midfielder Matt Murphy (Anaheim Hills, Calif./Mater Dei HS) earned his second Big West Player of the Week nod after a stellar performance against a ranked opponent last weekend.
The junior, who is the reigning Big West Midfielder of the Year, rallied the Anteaters against then ninth-ranked Brown. Down 2-0 entering the 70th minute, Murphy scored UCI’s first goal on a penalty kick, then tied the match in the 84th minute with another goal from the penalty spot.
The goals give him five scores and 11 points so far this season, ranking him second in the Big West in both categories. For his career, Murphy moved into ninth place all-time at UCI in goals (18) and points (46).
Others nominated: Eric Branagan-Franco, Cal Poly; Skyler Thuresson, Cal State Fullerton; Paul Marcoux, UC Davis