Thompson Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 15, 2001
COLUMBUS, Ohio–The Big Ten Conference today announced it has named Kerry Thompson (Sr., Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman) defensive player of the week for men’s soccer. This week marks the second time Thompson has been so honored this season, the first being Sept. 24 following his two wins in the Ohio State/NIKE Classic.
Thompson (6-2-2) has logged more than 860 minutes in goal this season for the No. 22 Buckeyes. This past week, the senior co-captain was perfect as he posted two shutouts in 170 minutes of play . Oct. 10, he stymied Cleveland State–making two saves– in OSU’s 1-0 win over the Vikings.
Oct. 14, Thompson again was stellar in the Buckeye net against No. 17 Penn State. He recorded five saves in the double-overtime scoreless draw and had the play of the day with a little more than 10 minutes remaining in the game. PSU’s Ken Lear launched a 15-yard shot toward the bottom corner of the goal, but a diving Thompson thwarted the attempt to ensure the tie.
“Kerry’s honor is well-deserved, especially through this stretch when we are having a difficult time producing goals” John Bluem, OSU head coach, said. “Any time you can only score one goal and come away with a win and a tie, it is a sign of good goalkeeping. He is keeping us in the game and I am happy that he has been honored for the second time.”
Through nine matches, Thompson has allowed only eight goals, recorded 31 saves and sports a 0.83 gaa.
This season, Thompson became OSU’s all-time career leader in shutouts with a 1-0 win over Southwest Missouri State on Sept. 23. He has four shutouts this year and 21.35 for his career, 2.35 more than second-place Dave Scheer (1985-88).
Bluem’s Buckeyes are off to one of their best starts in program history at 7-2-2 overall and 1-1-1 in the Big Ten. Ohio State returns to action this week at 7 p.m. Wednesday against Oakland at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The match will be tape delayed on Sport! TV with Randy Rhinehart calling the action. OSU’s next conference match is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at No. 6 Indiana.
