Mid-South Conference Release

PORTSMOUTH – Senior goalkeeper Thomas Carbonari has been named the MSC Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in net during Shawnee State's first-ever win against a ranked opponent in program history this past weekend when the Bears took down No. 22 Campbellsville, 2-1. This award is the first for Carbonari , or any other SSU player this season. It marks the second time he has won this award during his career.

In the Bears first-ever win over a ranked opponent; Carbonari anchored a defense that conceded just one goal while playing in less than ideal conditions after constant rain during the women's game left the playing turf in slick condition. Despite these factors, Carbonari made a pair of Joseph Webster goals stand up as he stopped 11 of the 12 shots he faced on the day.

Carbonari ranks second in the Mid-South Conference this season in saves per game (5.6). His 67 total saves are the third-most amongst MSC goalies. After the win against Kentucky Christian last evening. In total this season, Carbonari has started 12 games and played 1036:58 in goal and is allowing just 2.34 goals per game. He has recorded five of the team's six victories in net, including a pair of shutouts. This comes on the heal of his junior season when he broke the school's single season goals against average record.

Carbonari and the rest of his men's soccer teammates will be back in action tonight in a 9 p.m. start at Cincinnati Christian. Conference play for the Bears will resume this weekend as they travel to Pikeville on Saturday for a 7 p.m. matchup. The win over Campbellsville has put the SSU on the verge of a playoff berth that they can officially clinch with a victory this weekend.