Gonzalo Talavera Named Sun Belt Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week
10/30/2018 3:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern sophomore defender Gonzalo Talavera has been named the Sun Belt Conference Men's Soccer Defender of the Week, announced today by league officials.
Talavera anchored a back line that limited conference foe Appalachian State to just five shots in a shutout win Saturday, delivering the game-winning goal with just six seconds left in regulation in the 1-0 deceision over the Mountaineers that kept the Eagles unbeaten in league play this season. It was the second goal of the season for the Madrid, Spain, native and the match also marked the eighth straight in which the sophomore has played every minute at center back for the Eagles.
In addition to his Sun Belt Conference honor, Talavera was also named to the National Team of the Week by collegesoccernews.com on Monday afternoon.
"I usually do not comment on individual awards at this time of year," Georgia Southern Head Coach John Murphy said. "But I do feel that Gonzalo has not received the credit he deserves since he's arrived on campus. He's one of the best defenders in the Southeast Region, and I wouldn't trade him for any center back in the country. I am pleased for him and know he would be the first to acknowledge his teammates for their efforts this season."
This is the first weekly honor for Talavera and the fourth weekly honor for a Georgia Southern player from the Sun Belt this season - teammate Javier Carbonell has been the league's Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.
Click here to view the complete weekly release from the Sun Belt Conference.
Talavera and the Eagles wrap up the 2018 regular season by traveling to Coastal Carolina on Friday for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Chanticleers.
Talavera anchored a back line that limited conference foe Appalachian State to just five shots in a shutout win Saturday, delivering the game-winning goal with just six seconds left in regulation in the 1-0 deceision over the Mountaineers that kept the Eagles unbeaten in league play this season. It was the second goal of the season for the Madrid, Spain, native and the match also marked the eighth straight in which the sophomore has played every minute at center back for the Eagles.
In addition to his Sun Belt Conference honor, Talavera was also named to the National Team of the Week by collegesoccernews.com on Monday afternoon.
"I usually do not comment on individual awards at this time of year," Georgia Southern Head Coach John Murphy said. "But I do feel that Gonzalo has not received the credit he deserves since he's arrived on campus. He's one of the best defenders in the Southeast Region, and I wouldn't trade him for any center back in the country. I am pleased for him and know he would be the first to acknowledge his teammates for their efforts this season."
This is the first weekly honor for Talavera and the fourth weekly honor for a Georgia Southern player from the Sun Belt this season - teammate Javier Carbonell has been the league's Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.
Click here to view the complete weekly release from the Sun Belt Conference.
Talavera and the Eagles wrap up the 2018 regular season by traveling to Coastal Carolina on Friday for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Chanticleers.
Players Mentioned
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