A pair of DePaul soccer players earns Big East accolades

Two DePaul soccer midfielders, the men’s Thiago Ganancio and women’s Rebekah Roller, earned Big East honors Monday, Aug. 27.

Ganancio, who scored both goals in the men’s 2-1 victory over cross-town rival UIC, was named the Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league. The sophomore played 81 minutes in Friday’s match, netting his first goal in the 63rd minute assisted by David Selvaggi. After the Flames evened the score in the 71st minute, Ganancio answered with the decider in the 88th minute, putting the game away.

With his two goals, Ganancio now leads the Big East in goals and points as of Monday. Ganancio’s first career honor is also DePaul’s first Offensive Player of the Week award since senior Antonio Aguilar earned the accolade in last season’s opener.

As for Roller, the Big East recognized the junior midfielders defensive efforts by naming her to this week’s Honor Roll. Roller, played nearly 160 minutes -- and the full 90 on Sunday -- over the team’s two weekend matches. The Blue Demons bested Ohio 3-0 Friday and followed it with a grind-out win 1-0 over Valparaiso Sunday.

Not only a stalwart on the defensive end, Roller has been a part of many crucial offensive plays, including an assist off a free kick to freshman Kaily Cox in the Demons’ win over Ohio. Having played her first two seasons on the backline, Roller is finding new life in her switch to midfield, racking up two assists and averaging almost 85 minutes per match thus far in the 2012 season.