INDIANAPOLIS – Southwest Baptist University sophomore forward Christian Cruz and University of Illinois Springfield freshman goalkeeper Kevin Kardel have been selected as the Great Lakes Valley Conference/Athletic Solutions Players of the Week in men's soccer, it was announced by the league office Tuesday.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Christian Cruz, Southwest Baptist
So. | F | Hawthorne, New Jersey
Major: Criminal Justice
Team Results: 7-0 W vs. Evangel (09/01) | 2-2 T vs. UMSL (09/05)
- Scored three goals over the two games for six total points
- Took five shots with three on goal in 75 minutes
- Earns first career Offensive Player of the Week Award
- Last Bearcats’ Offensive Player of the Week: Zinedine Cherik (10/20/25)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kevin Kardel, Illinois Springfield
Fr. | GK | Kent, England
Major: Business Administration
Team Results: 0-0 T vs No. 11 Lincoln (09/05)
- Made seven saves against No. 11 Lincoln, played all 90 minutes
- First collegiate shutout
- Faced 18 shots overall
- Earns first career Defensive Player of the Week Award
- Last Prairie Stars’ Defensive Player of the Week Award: Joe Brudnak (09/23/24)