Tejera, Klenofsky & Roach Earn First Wilson Men's Soccer Weekly Awards of 2016
MAAC Sports
Wilson Offensive Player of the Week
Alexander Tejera, Siena
Jr., F, Ossining, NY/Ossining
Tejera scored twice including the game-winning tally in the Saints’ impressively convincing 4-1 season opening triumph over defending Northeast Conference Champion and preseason favorite LIU Brooklyn Friday. Tejera was extremely active throughout, registering six shots including three he put on target. His 22nd minute penalty kick goal proved to the game-winner as Siena snapped the nation’s second longest active unbeaten streak at 13, handing LIU Brooklyn its first defeat since last Sept. 20. Tejera then worked hard to draw a foul in the box in the 66th minute and converted the ensuing penalty kick that he earned to give the Saints some breathing room en route to a dominant victory over a Blackbrids’ squad that entered the season receiving votes in the College Soccer News Preseason Poll.
Wilson Defensive Player of the Week
Eric Klenofsky, Monmouth
Sr., GK, Lincoln Park, NJ/DePaul Catholic
Klenofsky withstood an early barrage of shots from No. 15 Denver and he and the Hawks’ defense held strong for over 88 minutes before conceding a goal in Monmouth’s 1-1 draw against the Pioneers. The senior keeper posted seven saves.
Wilson Rookie of the Week
Mackenzie Roach, Niagara
Fr., F, Marysville, ON/St. Theresa Catholic S.S.
Roach scored two goals in his Niagara debut as the Purple Eagles defeated Robert Morris 4-0, their first win in a season opener since 2008. Roach gave Niagara a 2-0 lead in the 10th minute with his first of the match, finishing a crossing pass into an open net from six yards out. The Canadian rookie then scored the final goal of the match for Niagara in the 50th minute, beating a Robert Morris defender at midfield, speeding away on a breakaway chance, and flicking a shot to the left side of the net. Roach was the first Purple Eagle to score twice in a game since Sergio Lujan against Monmouth on Oct. 24, 2015.