St. Louis – Senior defender Javier Martin Gil was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
Martin Gil marks the second Missouri State Bear to win the award in the three weeks since the season started. Senior goalkeeper Harry Townsend won the first Defensive Player of the Week award on August 29.
Missouri State’s defense has been one of its strongest pillars, only allowing one goal all season on a penalty kick against Tulsa last Tuesday. Martin Gil nailed the equalizing goal with seconds left in the first half against the Golden Hurricane. The Bears allowed just four shots across their two games last week.
Martin Gil continued his strong play in Missouri State’s home opener against VCU last Saturday night as he assisted on the game-deciding goal scored by senior forward Jesus Barea in the 27th minute.
No. 13 Missouri State (3-0-1) will head back on the road as it opens conference play against new affiliate member Northern Illinois (2-3) on Saturday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
