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If scoring the winning goal in overtime to beat the University of Dayton wasn’t exciting enough for men’s soccer forward, Alex Tarnoczi, then the many accolades that he’s received this past week should get the job done.

Since the season began, Tarnoczi has been selected to the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week, named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Co-Player of the Week and earned a spot on the America Men’s  Soccer Team of the Week.

Tarnoczi, a freshman from Castle Rock, has been playing soccer since he was 8 and is in his first season at DU.

“I don’t really look at it as just me who is responsible, it’s more my team,” Tarnoczi said. “Without them I wouldn’t have these great opportunities and wouldn’t be accepting these accolades. I want to thank them.”

When a player is recognized nationally, it means a lot to the soccer program where he plays.

“I’m happy for him. It’s great for the program,” said Bobby Muuss, head coach.

“Alex isn’t the first, and he isn’t going to be the last either as we continue to get better. It gets his name out there and it shows that the conference has some very good players.”

Tarnoczi joined the men’s team as the No. 7 recruit in the country, so Muuss isn’t surprised that he is playing so well as a freshman.

“We have certain expectations for Alex, and he still has a long way to go to get where we want him to be, but obviously to score in such a big situation, we’re excited for him, but again, he has a long way to go still,” he said.

With all the soccer honors Tarnoczi has received, it’s seems natural he would want to continue playing after college.

“I really want to go professional, but it’s all up to me and how hard I work and if I grow and progress. But I definitely hope that’s in my future,” he said.

To see Tarnoczi in action with the rest of the men’s soccer team, the next home game is on Oct. 10 against University of Missouri-Kansas City at 7 p.m.