MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Senior defender Alan De Paula of the Auburn University at Montgomery men's soccer team has been named Warhawk of the Week, as announced by the AUM Athletics Department Thursday morning.
De Paula's Week
Alan De Paula played a key role in a pair of victories for the Warhawks last week, helping AUM earn a 2-1 road win over Montevallo on Sept. 23 before delivering the game-winning goal in a 1-0 shutout of No. 15 UAH on Sept. 26.
De Paula logged 64 minutes in the win over the Falcons before playing all 90 minutes against the Chargers. The senior from Biała Podlaska, Poland, provided the decisive moment against UAH in the 35th minute, finishing a corner-kick sequence with a spectacular bicycle kick. Malik Mawd delivered the corner into the box, and Luke Butcher headed the ball toward De Paula, who connected on the acrobatic finish to put AUM ahead 1-0.
The goal marked De Paula's second of the season and his first game-winner, accounting for two points in the victory. He finished the week with one shot, which was on target and resulted in a goal, converting his lone attempt for a perfect 1.000 shooting and shots-on-goal percentage.
The shutout was especially significant, as UAH had scored in every match of the season before facing the Warhawks. The victory capped a two-win week for AUM and helped the team rise from No. 7 to No. 4 in the national rankings released Tuesday.
Season Snapshot
De Paula has been a consistent presence in the Warhawks' lineup this season, starting all nine matches and logging 754 minutes on the pitch. The senior has recorded two goals and four points, with both goals serving as game-winners in 1-0 victories over GSC competitors Lee and No. 15 UAH.
De Paula has tallied six shots on the season, placing three on target, and has converted both of his goals in crucial moments for AUM. His latest strike against UAH marked his second game-winning goal of the year and helped the Warhawks secure their fifth shutout of the season. With his contributions on both sides of the recent winning stretch, De Paula continues to play an important role as AUM climbs the national rankings.
Up Next
De Paula and the Warhawks return to action on Saturday, Oct. 3, traveling to Clinton, Mississippi, to take on Mississippi Christian at 3:30 p.m. CT.
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