UC Riverside's Cesar Diaz and UC Irvine's Andrew Fontein came away with this week's edition of the Big West men's soccer weekly awards as they led their respective clubs to key results for postseason hopes.

Diaz Leads UCR Offense During Difficult Week

UC Riverside's Cesar Diaz was a key offensive performer during a tough week for the Highlanders, netting him Big West Offensive Player of the Week accolades.

Diaz started off the week with a goal against league-leading UC Irvine, giving UCR an early lead in a tough 2-1 loss.

Diaz then delivered the game-winner in UC Riverside’s 2-1 road win over Cal State Northridge, a  96th minute strike that kept UCR's postseason hopes alive. The goal also delivered the Highlanders' first win against the Matadors in program history.

Diaz' two scores tied him for the team lead in both goals (4) and points (11), while helping UC Riverside surpass its win total from last season (5).

Others nominated: Chris Gaschen, Cal Poly; Kevin Schulte, UC Davis; Amani Walker, UC Irvine

Fontein Keys UCI Defense Against Prolific Offensive Clubs

UC Irvine's Andrew Fontein nabbed his third Big West Defensive Player of the Week honor this season, following another stellar effort between the pipes for the 'Eaters.

The junior keeper allowed just one goal over 200 minutes of play, leading UCI back into first place in the Big West standings.

In his first game of the week, Fontein allowed an early goal against UC Riverside, but perserved to a 2-1 win. Then in a marquee matchup against UC Santa Barbara, Fontein made three saves to keep the Gauchos off the scoreboard in an eventual scoreless tie.

Fontein upped his season shutout total to a UCI single-season best 11, while lowering his goals against average to a league-best 0.40.

Others nominated: Ryan McCowan, UC Davis