This week's edition of the Big West men's soccer weekly awards went to three players as Amani Walker of UC Irvine and Ruben Valencia of UC Riverside shared the Offensive Player of the Week honor, while Michael Boxall of UC Santa Barbara claimed the Defensive Player of the Week accolade.
UCI's Walker, UCR's Valencia Share Offensive Honor
UC Irvine's Amani Walker and UC Riverside's Ruben Valenica delivered clutch scores for their respective clubs in wins last week, netting them Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Week mention
Walker was an offensive spark in a pair of UCI wins last week. In his first game, he delivered the game-winner in the 82nd minute against Cal State Northridge, his seventh career game-winning tally. Then in his following match against Cal State Fullerton, Walker scored his league-best ninth goal of the season.
Walker is now fifth in UCI history in career goals (25) and sixth in points (61). He is also tied for 10th all-time in Big West history in goals scored.
Valencia led UC Riverside to its first conference win in its only game last week, a 3-2 triumph over Cal State Fullerton.
He broke a 1-1 tie with a score in the 56th minute, then added what proved to be the game-winner just 34 seconds later.
Valencia’s goals helped the Highlanders snap a 21-match conference winless streak and give him three scores in his past two matches.
Others nominated: David Zamora, Cal Poly; Sam Garza, UC Santa Barbara
Boxall Leads Gaucho Defense to Two Shutout Wins
Michael Boxall was the centerpiece of a tough UC Santa Barbara defense in two Gaucho wins last week, earning him Big West Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Boxall began his week by spearheading a UCSB shutout win over UC Davis, holding the Aggies to just two shots on frame and six overall. He then helped the Gauchos shut down Cal State Northridge as the Matadors mustered only seven shots with four coming in goal in another shutout victory.
Boxall played all 180 minutes over the two matches and has helped the UC Santa Barbara defense record shutouts in four of its last six contests.
Others nominated: Patrick McLain, Cal Poly; Omar Zeenni, UC Davis; Corey Attaway, UC Irvine