LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky men’s soccer sophomore forward Tyler Riggs has been selected a member of the 11-member Soccer America National Team of the Week, it was announced on Wednesday morning by the publication.
Riggs, the reigning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, came off the bench to lead UK to a pair of season-opening wins, posting a 2-0 win over Dayton in the season opener on Friday night and a 2-1 comeback win over No. 9 Michigan on Sunday.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Riggs netted three of UK’s four goals on opening weekend, including game-winning goals in both games. Riggs came off the bench in the Dayton game and got UK on the board for the first time in the game, with C.J. Tappel later adding a goal to finalize the win. On Sunday, UK faced a 1-0 hole in the 78th frame before Riggs struck for the game-tying goal. Just under four minutes later, Riggs gave UK the game winner with a gorgeous run down the sideline, beating a speedy Michigan defender and a stout UM keeper with a hard-hit shot at the far post.
The C-USA Player of the Week honor and the Soccer America National Team of the Week accolade is the first career honors for Riggs, who was named a third-team All-Conference USA selection and a member of the All-Conference USA freshman team in 2010 while leading UK with five goals.
The 21st ranked Kentucky (2-0-0) Wildcats return to action on Friday, hosting the 10th annual University of Kentucky Invitational. UK will face Wright State at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night, before hosting IUPUI on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET at the UK Soccer Complex.
Soccer America National Team of the Week
G Chris Blais, USF, Sr.
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M Nicolas Abrigo, William & Mary, Sr.
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M Antonio Aguilar, DePaul, Jr.
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F Bryan Gaul, Bradley, Sr.
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F Christian Hernandez, UC Irvine, Sr.
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F Hakan Ilhan, UNC Greensboro, Jr.
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F Darren Mattocks, Akron, Soph.
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F Tyler Riggs, Kentucky, Soph.
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F Charlie Rugg, Boston College, Jr.
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D Eric Schoenle, West Virginia, Jr.
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F Gyasi Zardes, Cal State Bakersfield, Soph.
