University of North Florida Men’s Soccer received two ASUN Conference weekly honors on Sept. 28 after a pair of shutout victories. Fifth-year goalkeeper Luciano Natoli was named ASUN Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time this season, while senior defender Tarik Freire earned ASUN Defensive Player of the Week honors.
North Florida has now collected seven weekly conference honors this season. The team improved to 7-3-1 overall and 4-0-0 in ASUN Conference play last week, winning seven of its last eight matches. North Florida also reached a 4-0-0 conference record for the first time since 2016.
Natoli posts two shutouts
Natoli started both matches last week as North Florida defeated Trinity College of Jacksonville 3-0 on Sept. 22 and Stetson 1-0 on Sept. 26. He recorded a combined shutout and a solo shutout during the two-match stretch, including the second shutout of his season. Natoli made four saves in 90 minutes against Stetson.
Freire contributes in defense and attack
Freire scored his first collegiate goal and played 73 minutes on the backline against Trinity College of Jacksonville. He then played the full 90 minutes against Stetson. His performances helped North Florida complete the two-match stretch without allowing a goal.
North Florida will close its four-match homestand against Central Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 3. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will stream on ESPN+. North Florida enters the match with a 4-0-0 record in ASUN Conference play.
FSB Take
North Florida’s latest conference honors reflect a defensive stretch that produced consecutive shutout wins. Natoli earned his second Goalkeeper of the Week award of the season, while Freire added recognition after scoring his first collegiate goal and playing all 90 minutes against Stetson. The Central Arkansas match will give North Florida its next opportunity to build on a 4-0-0 ASUN Conference start.
Source: Original report