Helping their teams to undefeated records, Long Beach State freshman Ashley Gonzales and UC Irvine junior Alana Sooy were named the Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
Offensive Award Goes To Gonzales Again
The budding collegiate career of Long Beach State freshman Ashley Gonzales (Ontario, Calif./Chino Hills HS) continues to shine, as her second multi-goal game produced her second Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honor in as many weeks.
The 5-3 forward wore out opposing defenses with 12 shots, including six on frame, in Long Beach State’s 0-0 double overtime draw against San Diego and 2-0 victory over CSU Bakersfield.
While her five shots against the Toreros failed to produce a goal, Gonzales would not be denied against the Roadrunners. She connected for what ended up being the game-winner in the 23rd minute as she accepted a pass from teammate Mimi Rangel and outmaneuvered the keeper into an open net.
Gonzales added an insurance goal in another one-on-one situation at the 82:02 mark, and nearly had a hat trick as her 48th minute left-footer caromed off the post. She had a career and game-high seven shot attempts against CSUB, leading an offensive attack that allowed the 49ers to outshoot their opponents, 37-9, over the two games.
Others nominated: Elise Krieghoff (Cal Poly); Leandra Walker (CSUN); Jasmine Nickelberry (UC Irvine)
Sooy Helps UC Irvine to Pair of Shutouts
Junior Alana Sooy (San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty HS) aided UC Irvine in back-to-back 3-0 shutouts of Fresno State and Gonzaga en route to Big West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week plaudits.
The 5-5 center back anchored an Anteater backline that surrendered just a combined 11 shots, and four on target, to the two Bulldog opponents. UCI recorded its first two victories and clean sheets of the season in the process.
Sooy also got in on the act offensively, hitting a long pass upfield that found Kiani Palacios in stride for UCI’s second goal of the match against Gonzaga. It was Sooy’s first career assist and point.
Others nominated: Alyssa Giannetti (Cal Poly); Cynthia Tafoya (CSUN); Ashton McKeown (Long Beach State)