UC Irvine's Amani Walker (San Diego, Calif./Francis Parker HS) had a clutch opening week for the defending Big West champions, netting the junior the first league Player of the Week honor of 2009.

Walker started the week with a goal and an assist in UCI’s 3-2 double overtime, season-opening road win over Santa Clara. His helper on Carlos Aguilar's goal in the 65th minute helped cut the Bronco lead in half, then he made the bus ride home a happy one with a golden goal in the 105th minute.

Walker then added his second game-winner of the week when he put away a diving header in the 18th minute against Long Island that would be the only goal of the day for both sides.

Others nominated: Jason Santos, UC Davis; David Walker, UC Santa Barbara