ST. LOUIS -- Illinois State soccer's Kaya Durkee has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Defender of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. It is Durkee's first career MVC weekly honor and the first for the Redbirds this season.
Durkee, a defensive specialist from Danville, California, has earned the nickname "second goalie" from the ISU broadcast booth for her play in the back line. She helped the Redbirds go 1-0-1 last week, including a 1-1 draw against Saint Louis and a 3-0 shutout of Purdue Fort Wayne.
During the Redbirds' second shutout of the season, Durkee scored her first career goal with five minutes remaining in the first half.
With the 1-0-1 week, Illinois State improved to 3-1-3 on the season and completed an unbeaten home non-conference schedule for the first time since 2009.
"Kaya is a talented defender who has showcased her consistency and presence in our back line," said ISU head coach Raleigh DeRose. "Her goal on Sunday was a product of the grit and drive she has displayed on the defensive end of her play for so long. It was great to see those same qualities translate to the attacking end on Sunday. Her determination and willingness to compete were on full display, and it was rewarding to see her effort result in a goal."
