The University of Akron Athletics
Reinaldo Brenes Named To National Teams Of The Week
October 01 | Men's Soccer
Buy Tickets | Men's Soccer Gameday Central | 2012 Promotional Schedule
Follow Akron Men's Soccer on Twitter and Facebook
AKRON, Ohio – Junior Reinaldo Brenes, a forward from the nationally-ranked University of Akron men's soccer team, earned National Team of the Week honors from College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer Monday following a career performance last weekend.
Brenes recorded the first hat trick of his career to lead the Zips (6-1-2, 2-0-0 Mid-American Conference) to a 4-0 rout of Buffalo last Saturday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. Ironically, it was Akron's first hat trick since current Major League Soccer star Darren Mattocks achieved the feat against the same Bulls in the Zips' last meeting at Buffalo in 2011.
Brenes, a native of San Jose, Costa Rica, headed in a corner kick in the 12th minute, slotted the keeper from close range in the 24th minute, and chipped a shot into the far corner of the net in the 38th minute to fuel the Zips, who out-shot the Bulls, 28-2 overall and 12-0 on frame.
Brenes, who has been hampered by various injuries the past two seasons, entered Saturday's match with just one goal in his previous 32 career matches. He is one of three Zips with three or more goals scored through the first nine matches of the season.
With the win, Akron extended its MAC unbeaten streak to 40 games (37-0-3), which represents the third-longest streak in NCAA history.
UA will look to improve that mark this Friday night when Florida Atlantic comes to FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. The Zips and Owls will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (ET).
