The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Michael Wade
Placzek Named C-USA Defensive Player of the Week
9/21/2021 12:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
DALLAS – UAB men's soccer freshman Nicolai Placzek has been named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday.
Placzek, a defender from Freiberg, Germany, netted the first two goals of his UAB career in a 5-1 victory at Gardner-Webb on Saturday. Placzek's brace helped the Blazers score their most goals in a regular season match since a 7-2 triumph over Marshall in 2014.
"With success of the team, individuals are rewarded," head coach Jeff Kinney said. "To score two goals for us on the road is a huge accomplishment, and no doubt Nicolai deserves the recognition.
"We are excited about his continued progress and growth as he continues to get accustomed to college soccer."
The freshman opened the scoring in this past weekend's contest with a goal off a corner in the 27th minute, giving the Blazers an early 1-0 lead. After senior Brooks Rice doubled UAB's lead heading into halftime, Placzek secured his first-career brace with another goal off a corner just over three minutes into the second half.
The defender and the Blazers also just missed out on their first clean sheet of the season when Gardner-Webb tallied a late goal in the 80th minute to push the game to its final tally.
Placzek's first C-USA Defensive Player of the Week honor marks UAB's first weekly honor since former Blazer Adam Brooker earned Offensive Player of the Week accolades on Oct. 15, 2018. UAB's last C-USA Defensive Player of the Week honor came on Oct. 10, 2016, when Matheiu Laurent earned the honor.
The Blazers will look to build on their four-goal victory with a home matchup against No. 13 FIU (4-1-1) on Saturday. Saturday night's kickoff at BBVA Field is slated for 7 p.m.
Men's Soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
Individual match tickets can be purchased here.
For more information on the UAB men's soccer team, follow @UAB_MSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
Placzek, a defender from Freiberg, Germany, netted the first two goals of his UAB career in a 5-1 victory at Gardner-Webb on Saturday. Placzek's brace helped the Blazers score their most goals in a regular season match since a 7-2 triumph over Marshall in 2014.
"With success of the team, individuals are rewarded," head coach Jeff Kinney said. "To score two goals for us on the road is a huge accomplishment, and no doubt Nicolai deserves the recognition.
"We are excited about his continued progress and growth as he continues to get accustomed to college soccer."
The freshman opened the scoring in this past weekend's contest with a goal off a corner in the 27th minute, giving the Blazers an early 1-0 lead. After senior Brooks Rice doubled UAB's lead heading into halftime, Placzek secured his first-career brace with another goal off a corner just over three minutes into the second half.
The defender and the Blazers also just missed out on their first clean sheet of the season when Gardner-Webb tallied a late goal in the 80th minute to push the game to its final tally.
Placzek's first C-USA Defensive Player of the Week honor marks UAB's first weekly honor since former Blazer Adam Brooker earned Offensive Player of the Week accolades on Oct. 15, 2018. UAB's last C-USA Defensive Player of the Week honor came on Oct. 10, 2016, when Matheiu Laurent earned the honor.
The Blazers will look to build on their four-goal victory with a home matchup against No. 13 FIU (4-1-1) on Saturday. Saturday night's kickoff at BBVA Field is slated for 7 p.m.
Men's Soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
Individual match tickets can be purchased here.
For more information on the UAB men's soccer team, follow @UAB_MSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
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