Calder Named NWC Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Goalkeeper Braydon Calder (So., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) of Willamette University has been selected as the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in Willamette's 1-0 shutout victory over the University of California-Santa Cruz on Friday, Sept. 13.

Calder played all 90 minutes and registered five saves for the Bearcats against the Banana Slugs. He made a diving save to his right in the first half and stopped two direct free kicks in the second half with good positioning.

Although the free kicks were struck well and were placed on target, both were shot toward him and he was able to hold onto the ball each time. He also stopped two breakaways, including one in the 56th minute were he went 12 yard out to take the ball off the foot of the attacker.

Calder has started and played in four of Willamette's five games. He owns a 4-0 record with a 0.00 goals against average for the season. He has earned two solo shutouts and two combined shutouts.

Willamette is 4-1 on the season, including 4-0 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats will be at home again this weekend when they host Whitman College on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Whitworth University on Sunday, Sept. 22 as part of Willamette's Alumni Weekend. Both games are slated to start at 2:30 p.m. (PDT).