VanOekel, O'Connor Garner Weekly BIG EAST Honors
Oct 16 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers starting goalie Matt VanOekel (Chesapeake, Va.) was named the BIG EAST's Goalkeeper of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Teammate Kevin O'Connor also earned BIG EAST honors, as he was named to the Weekly Honor Roll. Both awards come following the two players' performances in RU's 1-0 shutout of BIG EAST opponent Cincinnati on Oct. 14.
VanOekel shutout a Bearcats' offense that entered the game scoring an average of 1.57 goals-per-game. The shutout was VanOekel's fourth of the season, as he lowered his goals-against average to 0.98 and has allowed just 13 goals this season while making 51 saves. VanOekel's performance against Cincinnati came at a critical time, as Rutgers now stands just one point behind the Bearcats in the Red Division after starting the season with a 1-5 record.
O'Connor earned a spot on the weekly honor roll after he provided all the offense Rutgers needed against the No. 14/24 Bearcats, scoring his third goal of the season en route to the 1-0 victory. The goal ended up being the game-winner as Cincinnati failed to score against RU's defense. O'Connor, a junior, is now tied for the team lead in goals after having scored just one goal in his previous two seasons combined at Rutgers. His game-winning goal against Cincinnati may have been his biggest of the season, as Rutgers has won seven of its last eight games and five of its last six against BIG EAST opponents.
Head coach Bob Reasso felt the BIG EAST's recognition of VanOekel and O'Connor reflected the effort and solid play they've both displayed throughout the season.
"They're both very deserving of the awards," he said. "Kevin had a big goal and Matt has been playing well for us all year."
Rutgers will close out its regular season with two BIG EAST games. The Scarlet Knights will play their final road game of the season against Syracuse on Wednesday, Oct. 17, and will wrap-up the regular season at home against Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 21, also at 7:00 p.m.
