Ben Arikian A-10's Best

UMass Sophomore Earns Co-Player of the Week Honors

November 12, 2008

After scoring a goal and adding two assists in wins over No. 10 Saint Louis and Charlotte last weekend, UMass men's soccer sophomore midfielder Ben Arikian has been named the Atlantic-10 Co-Player of the Week.

It is the second league honor in Arikian's career. His play was critical in helping the Minutemen clinch their fourth A-10 regular season championship title and earn the top seed in this weekend's Atlantic-10 Tournament.

On Friday against Saint Louis, Arikian set up both UMass goals with two assists - including a pass that set up the game-winning goal in the second overtime period. On Sunday against Charlotte, he headed home the game-winning goal early in the second half. For the season, he has played a part in eight of Umass’s nine game-winning goals.

Arikian leads the team in assists (six), points (14), and game-winning goals (three). The sophomore now has six career goals, 12 assists, and 22 points in 44 career games.

The Minutemen earned a first-round bye for the 2008 Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament that begins Thursday at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. UMass will play its semifinal game on Friday against the lowest remaining seed of the quarterfinal round.

UMass is the defending Atlantic 10 Tournament champion and is looking for its third-ever NCAA Tournament appearance after making it all the way to the national semifinals last season.

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