Sept. 8, 2008
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Senior defender Matt Besler (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley West) has received both national and conference accolades for helping the Notre Dame men’s soccer team win the Hilton Garden Inn Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament over the weekend. Besler was selected to the College Soccer News national team of the week along with being named to the BIG EAST honor roll.
Besler helped anchor a Fighting Irish defense that surrendered just one goal in 180 minutes of play. Notre Dame (3-1-0) topped Dartmouth, 2-1, on Friday, Sept. 5 before taking down fifth-ranked South Florida, 5-0, on Sunday, Sept. 7. The Irish defense only allowed the South Florida lineup, which includes three preseason all-BIG EAST players, to attempt three shots. For his efforts, Besler was named the Hilton Garden Inn Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament defensive MVP.
The senior tri-captain is a second-team preseason All-American and a two-time all-BIG EAST selection. Besler, a central defender, has played every possible minute (360) on the pitch for the Irish this season.
The seventh-ranked Fighting Irish will open BIG EAST play on Thursday, Sept. 11 with a home tilt against Marquette. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at Alumni Field.
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