BOSTON – For the second week in a row, the University at Albany men's soccer team (8-3-2, 3-0-1 AE) has had a player named as America East Player of the Week, the conference offices announced Monday.  This time, sophomore forward Nico Solabarrieta earned the award, following junior forward Afonso Pinheiro's naming last week.

Solabarrieta scored a goal in each of the Great Danes' two games last week, against New Hampshire and UMBC.  He has also scored a goal in three consecutive games, dating back to October 7 against Vermont.

In the first game of the week, when the Great Danes visited New Hampshire, the team found itself in a 1-0 hole with six minutes remaining.  A goal by senior defender Keith Traut brought the game to a tie.

With overtime looming, Solabarrieta took advantage of a broken play in the box off of a UAlbany corner kick from senior defender Luke Palmateer.  Solabarrieta was able to get a foot on the ball and placed his shot past the New Hampshire goalkeeper to give UAlbany a 2-1 lead with six seconds remaining.

The Great Danes returned home to face UMBC a few days later.  Solabarrieta once again scored a late goal, in the 85th minute, to secure UAlbany's lead at 2-0.  He was set up by senior midfielder Leo Melgar, who skipped the ball opposite field to Solabarrieta, who ripped his shot from distance into the opposite side netting.

Additionally UAlbany has improved in the NCAA RPI standings to 15, up from 22 last week, marking a new high for the program.  The Great Danes are unbeaten in their last six games, outscoring opponents 14-3 during that timeframe.  Further, the Danes are unbeaten at home and in conference play, and remain tied with UMass Lowell at the top of the America East standings.

The America East now ranks third out of 24 Division I conferences in RPI, behind the ACC and Pac 12.

Next up for UAlbany is a match at home against Stony Brook on Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m.