Spartanburg, S.C. – USC Upstate standout goalkeeper Dani Alvarado was named the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Week after turning in a tremendous effort in the season opener at Clemson Friday night.

Alvarado, a sophomore from Leander, Texas, earned the honor after tying a Division I-era school record with 12 saves against Clemson. Many of his saves were diving to his left or right, or coming off his line to deflect shots in the box.

Alvarado made four saves in the first half of play at Clemson, keeping Upstate in the match early against the Tigers' pressure. The Spartans settled in and played evenly with the Tigers for the remainder of the match. Both goalkeepers were active in the second half and Alvarado came up with eight saves in the second period to tie the school record with 12 in the game.

The only goal given up by Upstate and Alvarado in the game came after a foul on a 24-yard free kick bender that found the upper right 90 just past the outstretched arms of a lunging and diving Alvarado late the in the contest.

Alvarado earned his first career A-Sun weekly honor with his selection this week. His start at Clemson was the first regular season start of his career. He was on the team last season and saw significant action in practice as the understudy of three-year starter Jason McCabe. However, he did not see any action during regular season games.

Upstate is set to face UNC Asheville this afternoon at 3:00 in a non-conference match.

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