GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its first weekly awards following the opening weekend of play of the 2022 men's soccer season. Saginaw Valley State sophomore midfielder Elliot Nottoli earned GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week accolades, while Parkside redshirt junior defender Mike Howell claimed GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Elliot Nottoli, Saginaw Valley State
Sophomore Elliot Nottoli led the Cardinals to a comeback win over No. 16 University of Illinois-Springfield with three goals, including two in the final 10 minutes. The Denver, Colo., native got the scoring started for the Cardinals in the first half with his first goal of the season in the third minute. After SVSU made it 2-0, the Prairie Stars scored three unanswered goals and led until the 72nd minute when the Cardinals tied it. Nottoli scored the eventual game winner in the 82nd minute and added a brilliant bicycle kick goal in the 86th to complete the hat trick.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Mike Howell, Parkside
Mike Howell played a pivotal role in the Parkside men’s soccer team’s two shutout victories this week. The Rangers opened their season with a 1-0 win over Quincy and followed up their opener with a 2-0 win over Lewis. Howell, a transfer from Western Illinois, was a key part of the Rangers back line, who limited their opponents to a total of three shots on goal. The Milwaukee, Wis. native also helped out on the offensive end, scoring the game-winning goal against Lewis.
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSE: Matt Whelan (DU), Baruc Delgado (NMU), Marcos Calderon Jimenez (Parkside), Amar Dupanovic (SCSU)
DEFENSE: Robbie Baker (SVSU, Harrison Hooper (PNW), Shane Marinkovich (DU), Keegan Schmidt (NMU), Gage Steiner (SCSU)
