Alvarez, Franco Reel in Weekly Accolades
October 28, 2013 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- UCI converted the sweep of Big West Player of the Week awards following shutout victories over Big West South division foes UC Riverside and fifth-ranked Cal State Northridge.
Alvarez notched both game-winning goals, the first two of his career, in the victories. He intercepted a pass in the offensive zone in the sixth minute to jump on UC Riverside early. He would then capitalize on a shot off the crossbar cutting in front of the defense to reel in the rebound and put it away for the only goal in a 1-0 defeat of the No. 5 Matadors.
The junior is coming off his first career Anteater goal a few weeks ago to win his first Big West Offensive Player of the Week award along with national notoriety on the College Soccer News National Team of the Week while recording a point in four of his last five matches now.
Joining Alvarez is senior star Marco Franco who is taking home his first Big West Defensive Player of the Week Award. Franco is second on the squad in minutes played this season and suited up for 180 more in a pair of shutout wins.
Franco and the 'Eaters shut down nationally-renowned goal-scorer Sagi Lev-Ari of No. 5 CSUN not allowing him a shot. The 'Eaters on the weekend allowed just four shots on goal anchored by Franco's backline play. UCI has allowed just 55 shots on goal on the entire season, nine less than any other Big West school which, in turn, has led to a conference-leading seven shutouts.
He and the 'Eaters have now also taken down three ranked opponents this season (No. 5 CSUN, No. 11 UCLA, No. 16 Louisville) and have won four straight matches vs. ranked opponents dating back to 2012.
Alvarez and Franco join Enrique Cardenas on the player of the week list in 2013 after UCI was held to one honor in 2012. They along with the 'Eaters return to the pitch Saturday evening for a 7:00 p.m. matchup with Cal State Fullerton at Anteater Stadium to begin the second half of the Big West South division slate. The 'Eaters currently sit tie along with the Matadors for first in the division.
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