The Gulf South Conference announced its men’s soccer weekly award winners for Week 1 (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) of the 2023 season.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Eamon McLaughlin, Sr., M, Lee
McLaughlin had a solid opening weekend as he registered a hat-trick in the Lee season opening 3-1 win over North Georgia. The senior led the team with four shots and three shots on goal for the Flames. He also had five shots and two on goal in two wins in the win over Chowan.
Other nominees: Adrian Evrard (UWA); Christian Harjanne (UU); Lucho Galizzi (CBU); Charlie Elliott (AUM), Kendrick Hernandez (UWF); Rafa Vega (UAH)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
William Blake, Sr., GK, Auburn Montgomery
Blake began the season with a clean sheet as AUM downed Saint Leo, 1-0, in the season opener. The senior keeper faced six shots and made three saves, including a pair in the final minutes to help preserve the victory.
Other nominees: Robert Bailey (LEE); Ruben Neubauer (CBU); Austin Marshick (UWF); Booted Nemeth (UU), Jose Bannwart (UAH)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Ashanie Kennedy, Fr., F, Union
Kennedy recorded a goal and eight total shots as Union went 1-0-1 in the opening weekend of the 2023 season. In his collegiate debut, the rookie found the back of the net in the season opener against Ouachita Baptist en route to a 3-0 win, while also registering five shots including three on goal.
Other nominees: Thomas Wynn-Davis (SHC); Joshua Owens (UM)
2023 GSC MEN’S SOCCER WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Player of the Week
Sept. 5: Eamon McLaughlin, Lee
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 5: William Blake, Auburn Montgomery
Freshman of the Week
Sept. 5: Ashanie Kennedy, Union