UCSB goalkeeper Austin Mansker has garnered Big West Defensive Player of the Week honors after a standout weekend in the goal.
Mansker, a freshman, helped the Gauchos (6-0-2) remain unbeaten with a pair of strong performances against No. 9 UCLA on Friday and Harvard on Sunday.
In Friday’s FOX Soccer Channel televised match against the Bruins, Mansker faced 10 shots and allowed only one goal off of a tough flick header on a set piece. The San Jose native helped the Gauchos limit the strong Bruin team to just one shot-on-frame.
On Sunday, Mansker led the Gaucho defense to a 1-0 shutout against Harvard, marking his third clean sheet of the season. The goalkeeper made two saves and was forced to make several crucial catches and punches during set pieces that limited the Crimson to just three shots during the entire game.
This marks Mansker’s first career honor and the first Big West weekly honor for a Gaucho this season.
UCSB will be back in action next Friday, Sept. 28 when it opens Big West Conference play at UC Riverside at 8 p.m. The Gauchos will play Cal State Fullerton on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. They will return home on Oct. 5 to host defending Big West Champion UC Irvine
