Sept. 24, 2002
Nathan Fleetwood, a junior midfielder on the University of Kentucky men’s soccer team, has been chosen as the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week for the second time this season, the league office announced Monday. Fleetwood was honored for his play in the University of Kentucky/Traditional Bank Invitational over the weekend, where he tallied a goal and an assist.
On Friday, Fleetwood rallied the Cats to victory over Cleveland State when in the 21st minute, he ripped a 22-yard blast into the side netting to tie the score. The Cats would add two more goals, defeating CSU 3-1 and giving Coach Ian Collins his 100th UK win.
Fleetwood had another strong performance on Sunday against Coastal Carolina. His assist in the 15th minute of play led to the game-tying goal. Fleetwood controlled the midfield for the Cats, who were down a man for over 70 minutes, before they allowed the game-winning goal in overtime of the 2-1 championship loss.
“Nathan is without question one of the top players in America,” Collins said. “His level of play is outstanding and he has the ability to make everyone around him better.”
A native of Adelaide, Australia, Fleetwood had a team-high nine shots on the weekend and was one of three Kentucky players to be named to the Traditional Bank Invitational All-Tournament team. He currently leads the team in points and assists, with eight and four, respectively, and has started all seven matches for the Cats. Fleetwood, a physical education major, led UK in assists in 2001 while appearing in all but one match.
On Sept. 3, Fleetwood also earned the honor after leading the Cats to a 3-2 victory over 10th-ranked Maryland at the Virginia Soccer Classic. This marks the third time this season that UK has had the MAC Player of the Week. Sophomore Jamal Shteiwi was recognized on Sept. 10 for his play in Kentucky’s 1-0 shutout of Butler at the Furman Invitational.
Kentucky opens its conference schedule this Friday, Sept. 22, when it plays host to Bowling Green at 8 p.m. The Wildcats have won their last 11 matches in the MAC, dating back to the 2000 MAC Tournament.
