After an 0-11-0 start, the Western Illinois men’s soccer team has found its rhythm and managed an impressive three-game winning streak with wins over Denver (first in program history), Detroit-Mercy and most recently over Purdue-Fort Wayne. The wins over PFW and Denver have led to a 2-1 record in Summit League play as WIU looks to put a rough non-conference slate behind them.
Monday, that momentum was honored by the Summit League as forward Ryan DeBois was named Offensive Player of the Week while goalkeeper Tim Trilk was named Defensive Player of the Week. The pair followed in the footsteps laid by the women’s team when Zoe Clarke and Ines Palmiero-Herrera swept the honors. The two awards also marked the first time since 2016 that WIU has seen a sweep on the men’s side.
DeBois earned the award on the back of goals in all three Leatherneck wins, pushing his scoring streak to 4 along the way. On the season DeBois has 5 goals to lead the Leathernecks, as he has shown himself to be a force to be reckoned in the final third. Trilk solidified his place as one of WIU’s all-time great goalkeepers with his DPOY win, racking up 2 shutouts (WIU’s first of 2019). The award marks his third as a Leatherneck as he adds to his incredible resumé. Another note for Trilk, he now sits second in the Summit League with his 66 saves in 2019.
After a busy last week, the Leathernecks get a bit of a break this week with just one match coming on Saturday, October 26th. The match will be at home on Senior Day as Trilk, among plenty of others, will be honored against Eastern Illinois. Kick-off is set for 1 PM.