(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 14)--Jakub Piotrowski from the University of Illinois at Springfield and Nate Thackeray from William Woods University have been recognized for their performances on the soccer field last week by the American Midwest Conference.

Piotrowski was selected as the AMC Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week, while Thackeray earned AMC Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades. The honors were announced Monday afternoon by the league office.

Piotrowski, a senior forward from Harwood Heights, Ill., was a big factor in the Prairie Stars' 3-2 upset victory on the road against Hannibal-LaGrange College, the No. 3-ranked team in the NAIA. Piotrowski scored two goals, including the game-winner, despite a strong defensive effort from the Trojans. The three goals scored by UIS were the first three of the season allowed by Hannibal-LaGrange, which had won its first 11 matches of the season by shutout.

Through 12 matches in 2008, Piotrowski (right) has recorded 12 goals with two assists for 26 total points. He currently leads the AMC in both goals and points scored. This is the second AMC Player of the Week award this season for Piotrowski, who was the 2007 AMC Newcomer of the Year.

Thackeray, a junior goalkeeper from Manchester, United Kingdom, won all three of his starts last week, including a 2-1, double-overtime victory at home against AMC foe the University of Illinois at Springfield. Thackeray combined to make nine saves in his three wins. The 3-0 week posted by Thackeray enabled the Owls to reach the .500 mark on the season at 6-6-1.

OTHERS NOMINATED FOR OCT. 13: Eric Ooton from William Woods University (Offensive) and Drew Rynders from the University of Illinois at Springfield (Defensive).