BETHLEHEM, Pa. – For their efforts in what was another dramatic victory for American University men's soccer last week, Finn O'Brien has earned the Patriot League Defender of the Week honor and Yuta Phoenix has been named the Rookie of the Week. The pair connected for the game-winning goal in the 88th minute against Holy Cross, with O'Brien assisting the freshman. 

O'Brien has been a mainstay on the right flank for AU this season, playing every minute of all 16 matches so far. He picked up his team-leading fourth assist when his team needed it most, playing a ball from the right side of the attacking third into the box that found Phoenix for an open tap in. 

Phoenix has been critical to the Eagles in his first year, especially over their recent five-game undefeated streak. On Oct. 24 against Lafayette, he scored the game-tying goal with 1:18 remaining to help AU secure a point. It was O'Brien on the assisting end again, delivering a cross from outside the box to create back-to-back goals in remarkably similar fashion. 

The Eagles are seeking a win in the season finale at Navy on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. They can clinch the number two seed and a first-round bye in the Patriot League Championship with a win. With a draw or loss, AU would need favorable results elsewhere in the conference to earn the second seed.