Sophomores Nick DePuy and Drew Murphy claimed Big West Men’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week accolades after helping stake UC Santa Barbara to a 2-0 record in conference action.
DePuy Nets Pair of Game Winners
Nick DePuy (Irvine, Calif./Regis Jesuit HS) helped UC Santa Barbara forge a 2-0 start in Big West play thanks to clutch contributions from the forward position.
DePuy served up the game-winning goals against CSUN and No. 3 UC Irvine as the Gauchos extended their winning streak to a season-high four games and remained unbeaten in Big West regular season matches for the 12th consecutive contest. The Gauchos are 9-0-3 in conference play since 2013.
Since moving to the center forward spot a week ago, DePuy has produced three goals (all game winners) and an assist. In the 2-1 victory over the Matadors, he scored the clincher in the 71st minute on a header. DePuy set up the opportunity for those heroics after providing the primary assist on the equalizing goal by Duncan Backus at the 20:58 mark.
DePuy helped halt UCI’s 10-match unbeaten string with a dramatic goal that came with just 37 seconds left to break a scoreless time. The sophomore collected a clearance from the Anteater goalkeeper about 40 yards from goal, took one touch to his left, and drilled a left-footed 35 yard drive.
Others nominated: Kaba Alkebulan (Cal Poly); Lucas Mohageg (UC Davis); Mario Ortiz (UC Irvine)
Murphy Provides All-Around Contributions For Gauchos
Sophomore Drew Murphy (Palos Verdes, Calif./Palos Verdes HS) anchored the defense but also starred on offense for suddenly surging UC Santa Barbara.
Murphy assisted on both goals to aid the Gauchos in their 2-1 victory over CSUN on Thursday. He helped set up the first career goal for Duncan Backus, hitting a perfectly placed corner kick into the box. He also helped create the game-winning strike with a cross to the far post that Nick DePuy headed in.
Murphy now has four assists in his last four games and leads the Big West with five. He also was central to UCSB’s effort in limiting CSUN and No. 3 UCI to one goal total.
Others nominated: Wade Hamilton (Cal Poly); James Del Curto (Sacramento State); Armando Quezada (UC Davis); Jack Birkenbeuel (UC Irvine)