Oct. 3, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sophomore Kyle Venter is racking up national honors headed into week seven of the season. He was voted the MPSF Player of the Week by conference representatives, and was named to College Soccer News’ National Team of the Week following a stellar performance against UNLV on Oct. 1.
The Lobo center back out of Aurora, Colo., played a key role in New Mexico’s come from behind 2-1 win over UNLV to open up conference play. He converted a second half corner kick, good for a gamy-tying goal in Vegas, before the Lobos completed the comeback win. He also played a pivotal role on the backline which helped post a shutout for the final 79 minutes, while allowing just two shots on goal over the entire 90.
Venter’s goal was the third of his career, and his third game-tying of the season. He has now delivered for New Mexico in three of four games that they’ve come back from a deficit. His first career goal knotted the match between Cal State Northridge and New Mexico on Sept. 11, and his second came against the 2010 NCAA champions, the Akron Zips, to tie the game at one-all on Sept. 16.
Labeled a “team linchpin” – an indispensable player – by College Soccer News two weeks ago, Venter has started every game for New Mexico since redshirting his first season. He was named the Defensive MVP following the 2011 TLC Invitational and the 2011 University of Akron Tournament.The Lobos claimed first place in both events.
New Mexico is currently ranked no. 7 nationally by College Soccer News, and fifth by Top Drawer Soccer. The team is 7-0-2 overall and 1-0-0 headed into their second week of Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Conference play.The Lobos will head to Colorado to take on Denver and Air Force this coming weekend.
To view the full release and more information on this week’s list, please visit College Soccer News: National Team of the Week.
College Soccer News
National Team of the Week – 10/2/2011
Casey Townsend – Maryland
McKauly Tulloch – UCF
Ashton Bennett – Coastal Carolina
Patrick Innes – James Madison
Tom Jackson – Marshall
Ivan Stanisavljevic – UIC
Andy Rose – UCLA
Patrick Sigler – Cal Poly
Nick Janus – Wisconsin
Kyle Venter – New Mexico
Andre Blake – Connecticut