Sept. 29, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky goalkeeper Dan Williams – who posted two match-altering saves in his third shutout of the season at UNC-Asheville on Saturday – has been named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced.

Williams, a native of Fairfax Station, Va., has continued his career season, bringing his shutout streak to 224 minutes, dating back to a harmless 86th-minute goal allowed in a 2-1 UK win vs. Michigan last Wednesday. The junior has posted two consecutive shutouts and now has three on the year, with 10 shutouts in his career.

Williams made two diving, game-saving saves during the game with the Bulldogs, as well as clearing several dangerous balls inside the box to thwart potential scoring chances. A physical and athletic 6-foot-2 keeper, Williams has posted three shutouts on the year and 10 in his career, allowing only six goals in UK’s eight games.

Williams, a three-year starter and co-captain, has worked 742 minutes in 2008, saving 17 shots and posting an impressive 0.73 goals against average, facing 78 total shots.

The conference honor is the second such accolade for a Wildcat player this season, as senior forward Michael Strong earned C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honors during week one.

Kentucky (4-2-2) returns to action on Wednesday, opening conference play with a trip to Marshall (0-7-1) for a 7 p.m. ET showdown.