Utica, NY (10-17-11) – Sophomore Jeffrey Cupka (Minnechug Regional/Wilbraham, MA), of the Utica College men's soccer team, was named the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Week and the College's Male Athlete of the Week, for the week ending October 16, 2011.
Cupka led the Pioneers to back-to-back victories this past weekend against Elmira and Skidmore, as he netted the game-winner in both contests. On Saturday, he drilled a corner kick directly into the top far corner of the goal, with just under five minutes remaining in the first half, to give UC a 2-1 lead. Cupka recorded his second goal of the season on the play, as Utica tallied its first conference win of 2011.
On Sunday, the sophomore midfielder headed a crossing pass, from classmate Jonathon Peterson, into the back of the net, at 70:31, for his third goal of the year. Cupka's 70th minute goal proved to be enough as the Pioneers' pulled out a 1-0 victory over Skidmore.
Cupka currently ranks fourth on the team in scoring with seven points on three goals and one assist this year. All three of his goals have been game-winners.
The Pioneers maintain an overall record of 8-5, while recently improving to 1-3 in conference play. UC returns to action Wednesday as it hosts RIT in a non-conference game under the lights of Charles A. Gaetano Stadium at 7 p.m.
---www.ucpioneers.com---
