UC Davis freshman Matt Sheldon and sophomore Omar Zeenni led their team to an important conference road victory against Cal State Northridge to capture Big West Men's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, respectively.

Sheldon Scores First Two Career Goals In Victory

Matt Sheldon (Portland, Ore./Lincoln HS) scored his first two career goals to lead UC Davis to a key conference road victory against Cal State Northridge, earning the freshman Big West Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Sheldon, who became the first Aggie to tally two goals in one game since Oct. 31, 2009, knocked in his first goal in the 71st minute.  He received a pass from Dan Reese and shot to the top right corner of the net.

He then secured the 2-1 overtime victory in the third extra minute, pouncing on a CSUN turnover in the box to slam home a shot from point blank range.  Sheldon took only two shots for the game to score his two goals.

Others nominated: Cameron Walters (Cal Poly); Thomas Ramos (Cal State Northridge); Miguel Ibarra (UC Irvine); Sam Garza (UC Santa Barbara)

Zeenni Holds Down Aggressive Matador Offense

Omar Zeenni (Arcadia, Calif./Crespi Carmelite HS) withstood an onslaught of shots an attacking Cal State Northridge side to secure a 2-1 overtime victory for UC Davis, garnering Big West Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honors for the sophomore.

Zeenni faced 20 Matador shots and made five saves as the Aggies crept into a second place tie with CSUN in the Big West standings.  Zeenni kept the Matadors off the board until the 78th minute of play.  It was also the eighth time this season that Zeenni played over 90 minutes in goal. 

He leads the Big West with a .780 save percentage.

Others nominated: Patrick McLain (Cal Poly); Michael Abalos (Cal State Northridge);  Everett Pitts (UC Irvine)