IRVING, Texas – Logging the second major American Conference weekly award for UTSA soccer this season, officials from the league office announced on Monday that Sofia Peters has been named American Conference Defensive Player of the Week. In addition, goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler received weekly Honorable Mention for her play between the pipes this week.
A major component in a strong defensive effort that produced back-to-back conference wins for the Roadrunners at South Florida and at home over league-leading UAB, Peters notches her first career major award as American Defensive Player of the Week – previously collecting Honorable Mention on Sept. 14. The Cedar Hill, Texas sophomore led a defensive effort that produced shutouts in the run of play this week. In both 90-minute appearances, Peters recorded a shot, but the consequential opening salvo against UAB proved most consequential. In the 42nd minute, she unleashed a near-60-yard boot from just inside the half line, beating the Blazers’ keeper for the go-ahead goal – her third score of the season.
At the back of that defense, Spring, Texas senior Jasmine Kessler had a busy week with 11 saves across the two games, shutting out South Florida fully and holding UAB to a penalty kick score. Earning both wins, Kessler matched a season high with six saves against the Blazers, while registering five second-half saves when UAB turned up the offensive temperature after halftime. Kessler logged a 0.50 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage on the week. This is her first recognition of the season and her sixth career American weekly Honorable Mention.
Peters, Kessler and the Roadrunners will be back in action at home on Thursday, hosting Tulsa in the Hispanic Heritage and International Game at Park West. The Oct. 15 game will kick off at 7 p.m.
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