Sophomore goalkeeper Andrea Shaw was honored as this weeks Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week. This is the first time that Shaw has been honored for such an award. In addition to her outstanding performance, the Birds have been ranked No. 13 out of 54 teams in the Great Lakes Region according to the Soccer Buzz Magazine.
Last Thursday, Shaw played 90 minutes in goal for the Redbirds as Illinois State shutout No. 10 Illinois, 1-0. The win over Illinois was the biggest upset by a Missouri Valley Conference member in the leagues nine-year womens soccer history. Shaw recorded three saves in the game leading her to her first shutout this year.
Its so great for Andrea to be recognized for her defense, she has really done great for us this year, said head coach Pete Kowall. She had two great games against Illinois and Milwaukee, she is very deserving of this honor.
In the Sunday afternoon match-up against Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the two teams played to a scoreless double-overtime tie for the second consecutive year. The Panthers came close to scoring on a break away in the last few minutes of the game, but Shaw came through for the Birds with the save.
Shaw recorded 110 minutes in the Wisconsin-Milwaukee game and has played all 830 minutes in goal for the Birds so far this season.
Its really nice to be recognized in the Great Lakes Region for our play in the past two games, said Kowall. Its always great to have the players and the team recognized for their accomplishments.
Rounding out the top three spots in the Great Lakes Region rankings are Notre Dame, Illinois and Michigan. For more information on the rankings and to look at a complete list, log on to www.soccerbuzz.com.
