Sept. 9, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gamecock sophomore goalkeeper Marco Velez claimed the Disney Soccer/NSCAA Player of the Week honor after picking up two wins for South Carolina to move them to 3-0 on the year.

Velez stopped six shots in the 2-1, double-overtime win over No. 25 Clemson on Tuesday night, the fourth-consecutive win at home for South Carolina over its archrivals. Twice, he shut down back-to-back chances, including two from within five yards in one sequence. The only goal he allowed came on a penalty kick. He came back with three more saves in a shutout win over Mercer, his second clean sheet of the fall.

“Marco has been solid for us in goal in the opening part of the season,” said Gamecock head coach Mark Berson. “He gained a lot of experience last year as a freshman. His confidence and ability to come up with some key saves for us has been important for us early on.”

The Sarasota, Florida, native now has six career shutouts in 20 career matches. His goals against average of 0.30 stands 16th in NCAA Division I after Sunday’s contests. He also earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts last week, the second time he has captured that award.

The last Gamecock men’s soccer student-athlete to claim a national player of the week was Bradlee Baladez on Oct. 4, 2010 from College Soccer News.

South Carolina hits the Stone Stadium pitch again on Friday night, hosting UNC Wilmington at 7.