Northwestern University Athletics
Blades Named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week
9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 8, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern junior Mark Blades has been named the Big Ten Men's Soccer Co-Defensive Player of the Week the conference office announced Monday. He helped the Wildcats claim the title at the Lafayette Classic last weekend as the squad posted a 1-0-1 record.
It is the first such honor of Blades' career. He shares this week's award with Ohio State's Tim Gabel.
Blades was named to the all-tournament team for his efforts in helping 16th-ranked NU remain undefeated on the season (3-0-1). Against Iona on Friday, the 'Cats were trailing 1-0 following an own goal before Blades tied the match by scoring on a direct kick from 20 yards out. The tally got Northwestern rolling as it went on to a 4-1 win.
Blades then posted a team-high three shots in Sunday's tie with host Lafayette. He also played a large role in holding the Leopards scoreless over 110 minutes of action. It marked the Wildcats' third shutout already this season in just four matches. Opposing teams have combined for only seven shots on goal against Northwestern so far this year.
The honor follows up on Blades being named to Top Drawer Soccer's national team of the week a week ago.
Northwestern returns to action this Friday and Sunday as it participates in the NIU adidas/Baymont Inn Invitational in DeKalb.
