Brinckwirth Named A-Sun Player of the Week
9/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Spartanburg, S.C. – After scoring a pair of goals in the Jay Sculley Memorial Tournament at VMI, USC Upstate midfielder Joe Brinckwirth has been named the A-Sun Offensive Player of the Week.
Brinckwirth, a junior from Creve Coeur, Mo., helped lead the Spartans to a 1-1 effort in the tournament. He began the weekend by scoring the second Upstate goal in the 2-0 win over VMI Friday evening. The goal came in the second half of play and gave the Spartans some insurance. It was also the first goal of the season and of his Upstate career after transferring to the program from DePaul. He took six shots in the game and was the most active Spartan offensively.
Brinckwirth continued to produce in Sunday's game against Liberty. After Upstate fell behind 2-0, the second goal was an own goal, he scored midway through the first half to keep the Spartans in the game. Despite Upstate eventually taking the loss, the goal was a key in giving the Spartans a chance. He finished the week with two goals on seven shots.
"Joe played very well and added a lot of energy to the team," said Upstate head coach Greg Hooks. "His intensity and work rate, along with his ability to get the ball forward down the wing, added a lot to our team's attacking efforts. I am happy for him to receive the recognition he deserves after helping lead us this past weekend."
Brinckwirth played in 30 games at DePaul, starting 23 times. He finished his Blue Demon career with a goal and two assists. He was also a standout in the classroom and was a member of the Big East All-Academic team.
Brinckwirth becomes the first Upstate men's soccer player to earn a weekly honor from the A-Sun since former Spartan Dani Alvarado was named the Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2012. He is the first offensive Player of the Week selection since 2008 when David Stanbra took home the weekly honor.
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