IRVING, Texas – For the third time this season, a UTSA soccer Roadrunner has been announced for major weekly honors from the American Conference, as officials from the league office announced Monday that Kameron Kloza has been named American Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts in the rivalry win over North Texas. In addition, senior Izzy Lane and junior Jasmine Kessler received Honorable Mention in the weekly accolades. With that key win, UTSA remained perfect in early conference play and is tied for the top spot in the American.
The Defensive Player of the Week, Kloza (San Antonio, Texas) was a core component in holding the American’s top-shooting offense 16 shots below its average at just four attempts and only one on-target shot. In addition to blocking a key shot opportunity in the 83rd minute and 10 clearances, Kloza won 64 percent of her duels, made 16 recoveries and collected nine interceptions against the Mean Green. It’s her first career major conference honor and second league recognition of the season.
Kloza’s is the third major American award for the Roadrunners this season, following up Kessler’s Goalkeeper of the Week (Aug. 25) and Kamryn Watson’s Freshman of the Week (Sept.). In total, UTSA has garnered six Honorable Mentions this season to date.
An offensive award candidate receiving Honorable Mention, Lane (London, England) turned the tide for the Roadrunners in the 82nd minute of last Thursday’s game, intercepting the Mean Green’s attempt to bring the ball out from goal, moving to her right, planting and firing off the game-winner to the left side of the net from beyond 25 yards. Both of Lane’s shots were on goal, she logged 63 percent passing accuracy and made five interceptions. This is her first career conference honor at UTSA.
Picking up her third Honorable Mention of the season and fourth overall honor of the year, Kessler (Spring, Texas) directed UTSA’s stalwart defensive effort from between the pipes, limiting the Mean Green to a mere four shots, making the save on the only on-frame attempt.
The Roadrunners (6-2-2) have a crucial stretch ahead for the week, heading to Birmingham to face UAB (3-2-5), which has registered two American ties already, including at ninth-ranked Memphis last week. UTSA will close up the week at Park West with Charlotte (4-4-0) coming to town for the first time since joining the league.
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