University of Minnesota Athletics
Kelsey Hood Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Minnesota senior midfielder Kelsey Hood’s performance this weekend as Minnesota Gold Classic Defensive MVP also earned her Big Ten Player of the Week laurels, the conference office announced Monday.
The Ankeny, Iowa native helped the Gophers control play throughout the weekend event that included a 2-0 win over Brown on Friday evening and a 1-0 triumph over Boston University on Sunday afternoon. Hood, a two-time second team All-Big Ten selection and third-team SoccerBuzz All-Great Lakes Region honoree, helped Minnesota to minimize the offensive counter-attack of both weekend opponents. Boston University was able to muster just five shots and only three on goal in the Gophers’ Sunday victory.
Hood has been an integral part of Minnesota’s season-long 10-game winning streak, helping to control play in the middle and quarterback the Gophers’ counter-attack. Hood, who has two assists this season, leads a starting lineup that includes six seniors.
Minnesota, which has already eclipsed last season’s win total, begins Big Ten play this weekend. The Gophers will play Michigan State in East Lansing on Friday afternoon before heading Michigan for a Sunday afternoon contest in Ann Arbor.
The Gophers’ Big Ten home opener comes when they host Indiana in a noon (CT) match on Oct. 5. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-U-GOPHER or by contacting the Gopher Ticket Office at 612-624-8080.
