ST. LOUIS - For the second time this season, Illinois State forward Jessica Carlson has been named the Missouri Valley Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. Carlson scored a goal and was credited with an assist in the Redbirds' 2-0 win over Drake Sunday.
"Jess is obviously a player that we look to for leadership and was our leading scorer last season," head coach Drew Roff said. "We have been struggling to score goals recently, and she is certainly someone we have looked to for offensive production. A goal and an assist are huge in a 2-0 game, and her goal came in a key part of the game and really changed the momentum for us."
Carlson's game-winner against the Bulldogs was her third goal of the season and her 11th-career game-winning goal, the most ever by a Redbird player in program history. The Darien, Ill., native also ranks third in the ISU record book with 18 career goals and 44 career points.
"Jess is the type of player that comes through in big games," Roff said. "She understands the importance of conference matches and she definitely raised her level [of play]. We are going to need her to continue to produce going forward if we are going to achieve our goals. It was a great weekend by her and a great performance."
With Monday's selection, Carlson becomes the first two-time recipient of the MVC Offensive Player of the Week award this season. She earned her first selection Sept. 7, after scoring both goals for Illinois State in its 2-1 win over Kansas.
Missouri State's Jordan Reppell was selected as the MVC Defensive Player of the Week
The Redbirds are currently 5-5-0 on the season and 1-0-0 in Valley contests. ISU will continue its conference schedule by hosting Northern Iowa Friday at 3 p.m., and Missouri State Sunday at 1 p.m.
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