Nov. 10, 2003
University of Notre Dame men’s soccer junior goalkeeper Chris Sawyer (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) has been named the College Soccer News Player of the Week for Nov. 9. One of the top goalkeepers in the nation, Sawyer has been spectacular this season with 11 shut outs and holding Notre Dame’s opponents to one or zero goals in 17 of 19 matches this season.
The preseason selection for the BIG EAST Goaltender of the Year, Sawyer has been among the most consistent keepers in the nation. Of the 14 goals he has allowed, eight were scored in two games. His goals-against average stands at 0.72 entering Friday’s BIG EAST Championship semifinal match up with Providence (5:00 p.m.).
Sawyer helped the Irish advance to the semifinal with two saves against Connecticut on Sunday, Nov. 9, picking up his 11th shut out of the season (one combined with Justin Michaud). He has made 52 saves en route to his 13-3-3 overall record. Sawyer also posted five of those shut outs against BIG EAST opponents this season.
OTHER IRISH SOCCER NEWS: Notre Dame remains fifth in the latest release of the NSCAA/adidas Top 25 on Nov. 10 … Notre Dame also is first in the Great Lakes Region, putting the team in fine position to earn home field advantage during NCAA Championship play … a possible showdown in the BIG EAST Championship is looming between #4 St. John’s and #5 Notre Dame, should both teams earn victories in their semifinal matches on Friday.