The University of Akron Athletics
Najem Named MAC Men's Soccer Co-Player of the Week
November 03 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio — Akron sophomore midfielder Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.) was named the Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer co-Player of the Week on Monday.
Additionally, Najem was named the Zips' Student-Athlete of the Week.
The team captain helped Akron to two wins on the week.
In the 5-0 shutout over Cleveland State, Najem netted the first hat trick of his career. He scored the game-winner, and eight minutes later, added an insurance goal. Before halftime, he added his third goal on the night. Najem became the first Zip to tally a hat trick since Reinaldo Brenes did it in the 4-0 win over Buffalo on Sept. 29, 2012.
In the 2-1 win at Northern Illinois, Najem booted in the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the 82nd minute.
Najem has started all 15 games this fall. He is the team scoring leader with 10 goals, two assists, and 22 points. He is a perfect 3-for-3 in penalty kicks.
Najem earned the MAC honor for the second time this season and is the fourth Zip honoree this fall. Freshman forward Stuart Holthusen (Oct. 20) and junior goalkeeper Jake Fenlason (Oct. 13) also earned MAC accolades this fall. Najem was also recognized on Oct. 6.
Najem shared weekly honors with West Virginia's Andy Bevin who had a hat trick in the win over Buffalo.
Akron (10-5-1, 3-1 MAC) travels to No. 16 Penn State on Wednesday, Nov. 5 for a 7 p.m. contest before hosting Buffalo on Senior Night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
