Sophomore defender Peter Schmetz has earned Big West Defensive Player of the Week and UCSBgauchos.com Gaucho of the Week honors after a pair of outstanding performances last weekend at the Duke/Nike Classic.
The 6-foot-6 centerback helped the Gauchos snag the tournament title in Durham, N.C. and was named the Defensive MVP at the round-robin event.
The Gauchos defeated No. 22 Duke, 3-2, in overtime on Friday before posting their first shutout of the season against previously undefeated NC State, 1-0. Schmetz was critical to the UCSB defensive effort, which limited the Wolfpack to just one shot on goal.
Additionally, Schmetz was named to CollegeSoccer360.com’s Primetime Performers list for his outstanding play.
Schmetz and the rest of the sixth-ranked Gauchos return home this week to host a pair of Big East opponents: No. 9 West Virginia and Villanova. UCSB will welcome the Mountaineers on Friday for a 7 p.m. pairing at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. Villanova will face the Gauchos at 1 p.m. on Sunday
