UCLA senior defender Lilly Reale has been named the Big Ten Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, becoming the first Bruin player ever to win a weekly award in the Big Ten Conference.
Reale contributed in big ways to UCLA's 1-0 victories at Cal Poly and vs. No. 11 Santa Clara, totaling one goal and one assist and playing all 90 minutes of shutout ball to keep the Bruin defense spotless for the season. In the 70th minute of a scoreless game at Cal Poly, Reale made an incredible 85-yard run, going coast-to-coast before her second-effort far post goal went in for the eventual game-winner. Against Santa Clara, she started the play that led to the game's only goal, sending a free kick to Bridgette Marin-Valencia, who set Sofia Cook up for the game-winner. The Bruin center back helped the defense allow just 10 shots total and three shots on goal over the two games. UCLA's defense has not allowed a goal all season and is limiting opponents to an average of just 3.5 shots and 1.25 shots on goal.
This is Reale's fourth career Conference Defensive Player of the Week award. She was also selected to the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week.
UCLA will host BYU on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7pm in the Bruins' debut on Big Ten Network.
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: Aug. 20 – Sarah Weber, Nebraska; Aug. 27 – Khyah Harper, Minnesota and Kailyn Dudukovich, Ohio State.
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week: Aug. 20 – Justina Gaynor, Michigan State; Aug. 27 – Lilly Reale, UCLA.
Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week: Aug. 20 – Molly Pritchard, Ohio State; Aug. 27 – Macy Enneking, Iowa.
Big Ten Freshman of the Week: Aug. 20 – Caroline Birdsell, Minnesota; Aug. 27 – Regan Moody, Illinois.
Reale contributed in big ways to UCLA's 1-0 victories at Cal Poly and vs. No. 11 Santa Clara, totaling one goal and one assist and playing all 90 minutes of shutout ball to keep the Bruin defense spotless for the season. In the 70th minute of a scoreless game at Cal Poly, Reale made an incredible 85-yard run, going coast-to-coast before her second-effort far post goal went in for the eventual game-winner. Against Santa Clara, she started the play that led to the game's only goal, sending a free kick to Bridgette Marin-Valencia, who set Sofia Cook up for the game-winner. The Bruin center back helped the defense allow just 10 shots total and three shots on goal over the two games. UCLA's defense has not allowed a goal all season and is limiting opponents to an average of just 3.5 shots and 1.25 shots on goal.
This is Reale's fourth career Conference Defensive Player of the Week award. She was also selected to the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week.
UCLA will host BYU on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7pm in the Bruins' debut on Big Ten Network.
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: Aug. 20 – Sarah Weber, Nebraska; Aug. 27 – Khyah Harper, Minnesota and Kailyn Dudukovich, Ohio State.
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week: Aug. 20 – Justina Gaynor, Michigan State; Aug. 27 – Lilly Reale, UCLA.
Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week: Aug. 20 – Molly Pritchard, Ohio State; Aug. 27 – Macy Enneking, Iowa.
Big Ten Freshman of the Week: Aug. 20 – Caroline Birdsell, Minnesota; Aug. 27 – Regan Moody, Illinois.