The 2016 Gopher soccer season has had a golden start. After sweeping their first week games against Kansas and Utah, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) ranked Minnesota as no. 17 in NCAA Division I programs.
In addition to the nod from the NSCAA for the team, senior co-captain Josee Stiever was recognized for her individual effort. After tallying two goals and two assists in the opening weekend, Stiever was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. This marks the second time Stiever has received this honor in her college career; the first was in October 2014.
Stiever’s co-captain Simone Kolander is also getting attention. Prior to the start of the season, Kolander was named to the watch list for the MAC Hermann Trophy. Dubbed “college soccer’s version of the Heisman Trophy,” this award is the most prestigious award for an individual in college soccer. The watchlist includes approximately 40 men and 40 women considered to be top Division I college soccer players from the previous season. Semifinalists will be announced in November.
The Gophers will look to build on these successes as they play two home games this weekend against North Dakota (Friday at 7 p.m.) and Eastern Michigan (Sunday at 1 p.m.).
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