The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Woszczynski Named C-USA Defensive Player Of The Week
9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 8, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski was tabbed the Conference USA Co-Defensive Player of the Week, league officials announced on Monday. The award is Woszczynski's first career weekly C-USA honor and the first weekly accolade for a men's soccer player this fall.
"This is a well deserved award for Carl," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "He played terrific in goal on Sunday and kept us in the game. For him to get a shutout in just his third career start speaks volumes about his potential. I am happy the league has recognized his outstanding play."
Making just the third start in his career and second start this season, Woszczynski recorded his first career shutout in a 1-0 overtime victory over Mercer Sunday. Woszczynski was spectacular in the net, making four saves en route to the victory. In the opening minutes of overtime, the sophomore goalkeeper faced a one-on-one with a Mercer player and made a fingertip save to keep the game scoreless.
On the season, Woszczynski leads a defense that has allowed just four goals in four games. The Columbus, Ind. native has a 0.97 goals allowed average in two contests, and has made six saves on the year.
The sophomore shares the award with UCF's Sean Johnson, while Paulo da Silva of SMU took Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Woszczynski and the Blazers will next be in action when they host the UAB "Soccer For A Cure" Classic on Sept. 12 and 14 at West Campus Field. Western Illinois and Memphis will get things started on Friday at 3:30 p.m., while UAB will play UC-Irvine in the nightcap at 8 p.m. On Sunday, UC-Irvine and Memphis will play at 11:30 a.m., followed by the tournament finale featuring UAB and Western Illinois at 2 p.m.
Both contests are free to UAB students who have a valid student ID. Additionally, students and UAB men's soccer season ticket holders are encouraged to come and enjoy free food and drinks at a pregame tailgate that will begin 90 minutes before each game.
