DWU men's soccer goalkeeper named GPAC player of the week

Oct. 14—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University sophomore goalkeeper Zackary Stephens has been named the GPAC men's soccer defensive player of the week following a standout performance against a top-25 conference opponent on Oct. 11.

Stephens, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, recorded a season-best effort against No. 25 Midland. He recorded seven total saves to earn the Tigers a 2-1 win, and moved into second place in the GPAC standings following their second-straight victory. DWU is 4-1-1 in league play this season, matching Midland this season, while Northwestern leads the GPAC standings at 6-0.

Stephens registered a crucial late save that allowed DWU the advantage to score the game-winning goal in the 84th minute.

After starting six matches a season ago as a freshman with 25 saves, Stephens has started in each game this year (12), has allowed 19 goals in 12 games and has a record of 5-3-1. He has registered 23 saves on the season so far.

Dakota Wesleyan (6-6-1, 4-1-1 GPAC) faces Waldorf on the road at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Bolstorff Field in Forest City, Iowa.