Pyle Named C-USA Defensive Player Of The Week

Oct. 17, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina men’s soccer goalie William Pyle was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday. He is the third Gamecock player and first defensive player to earn player of the week honors this season.

Pyle, who has been steady in the net all year long for Carolina, was nothing short of spectacular in the team’s two games last week. He pitched back-to-back shutouts and logged eight saves, including five vs. UAB in the team’s 1-0 victory on Saturday, October 15.

The Charlotte, N.C., native made arguably his biggest and best save of the season on Monday, October 10, on the road at FIU. With his back against the wall in the 108th minute of the second overtime, Pyle made a textbook full-extensive save on a Panther penalty kick to the near post from 12-yards out that would have been the game-winner.

He is now 8-1-1 on the year with 34 saves and four shutouts. Pyle is in elite company amongst the nation’s best keepers, as his .854 save percentage ranks 12th in the country and his 0.582 goals against average ranks 17th in the nation.

The player of the week accolade is Pyle’s second of his career. He earned the honor once last season after tallying consecutive wins against No. 7 New Mexico and No. 8 Elon.

With the draw and win last week, Carolina is now 3-0-1 sitting alone atop the C-USA standings. The Gamecocks remain the only unbeaten team in conference play.

The Gamecocks look to extend their eight match unbeaten streak that dates back to Sept. 13 as they welcome No. 6 Wake Forest (10-2-2 overall, 4-1-1 ACC) to Stone Stadium Tuesday evening. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at The Graveyard.