Week 6 included strong results from some of the top nationally ranked teams like SMU and also included big-time scorelines from mid-major programs like UNC Asheville who are clearly on the rise.
Here’s our men’s soccer Week 6 awards:
Team of the Week
SMU
SMU continues to roll as they are now undefeated through their first nine games to start 2026. The Mustangs are tied for second in Division I in goal differential (+23) and lead the ACC in goals scored with 26. This past week they had a strong showing against Virginia Tech, beating them 3-0.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tyler Ware – Senior – Forward – UNC Asheville
Tyler Ware has a brace and an assist in three straight games for UNCA. The forward has had a goal contribution in nine straight games and has had the game winner in four of the last five. He is having a career season as he has now tallied more goal contributions (16) during his senior campaign as his first three collegiate seasons combined (14).
Defensive Player of the Week
Brandon Munson – Junior – Fullback – Michigan State
Brandon Munson provided two assists and helped Michigan State keep the clean sheet against ranked Wisconsin. Munson and the Spartan backline have yet to concede a goal in Big Ten play and are cruising up the national rankings sitting just outside of our top 10.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Matthew Hudson – Junior – Creighton
Matthew Hudson kept a clean sheet against Denver making eight saves. He followed that performance up with a three-save performance against Marquette helping Creighton earn back-to-back wins this past week. Hudson is unbeaten in his six games in goal (5-0-1) and boasts an 80.8% save rate this season.
Freshman of the Week
Gerard Lorente – Midfielder – Xavier
Gerard Lorente put up a massive scoreline against Wright St. with four goal contributions (2g/2a). After putting up those numbers the young midfielder played the full 90 against Villanova, helping Xavier get the win 2-0. Lorente and Xavier are unbeaten in eight games to start 2026 (6-0-2).
