Sophomore Ryan Rhoads, who is currently third in the MPSF in goals, was the recent recipient after scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-0 shutout over San Diego State on Friday, Oct. 15. Rhoads then followed up his performance against the Aztecs by scoring the first goal in a 2-1 win over UNLV on Sunday, Oct. 17.

Both of Rhoads’ scores were logged early in the matches. In the game against the Aztecs, Rhoads scored in the seventh minute when he ran onto a Ricky Rodriguez pass in the penalty box, putting his shot low to the near post past the San Diego State goalkeeper. Rodriguez was last week’s co-Brine Player of the Week and now leads Sacramento State with nine points.

Rhoads, a Beyer High School graduate and Modesto, Calif. native, scored his team-high fourth goal in the third minute of the match against UNLV on Sunday. Rhoads received a through pass from midfielder Andrew Tamm in the penalty box and put the ball to the far post, past the Rebels’ goalkeeper.

Sacramento State is undefeated with a record of 3-0 when Rhoads puts goals in the back of the net. In three of the Hornets’ last four matches, Rhoads has scored and the team went 3-1-0 over that span.

With the two wins over the weekend, Sacramento State improved to 4-7-1 overall and 3-3 in the MPSF, which ties the Hornets for third place in the conference.

Rhoads shares the award with Denver forward Christian Bowers, who scored the game-winning goal and tallied an assist in the Pioneers 2-1 upset of No. 2 New Mexico on Sunday, Oct. 17.