BOSTON - The University at Albany men's soccer freshman forward Yuta Kimata, sophomore goalkeeper Alexander Genz, and junior midfielder Shawn Tanaka have earned America East weekly awards following the Great Danes' 1-0 victory over UMass Lowell on Saturday, October 3.
 
Kimata has been named both Co-Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week after scoring the match-winning goal in the 52nd minute to lift UAlbany to its second consecutive America East victory. Kimata led the Great Danes with two shots, putting both attempts on goal, including the eventual game-winner off assists from Ivar Gissurarson and Tanaka.
 
The goal marked Kimata's fourth of the season and brought his season total to 10 points, which ranks tied for fourth in the America East. His 1.11 points per game rank second in the conference, while his three game-winning goals lead the league and rank sixth nationally. Kimata also ranks fifth in the America East with nine shots on goal and is tied for second with four goals.
 
This is the second consecutive week that a Great Dane has been named both the Rookie and Offensive Player of the Week. The honor marks Kimata's first Offensive Player of the Week award and his third Rookie of the Week honor.
 
Genz earns Co-Goalkeeper of the Week after playing all 90 minutes against UMass Lowell and making two saves to record his fifth clean sheet of the season and second consecutive shutout in America East play. Genz made crucial saves in the 70th and 74th minutes to preserve UAlbany's 1-0 advantage and secure the road victory.
 
Genz's five shutouts rank second in the America East and tied for fourth nationally. He also ranks fifth in the conference and 62nd nationally with a 1.11 goals-against average, while his 18 saves against 28 shots on goal rank seventh in the America East. Genz has played all 810 minutes through nine matches, providing a consistent presence in goal for the Great Danes.
 
This is Genz's first America East Goalkeeper of the Week honor of his career.
 
Tanaka claims this week's Defensive Player of the Week after helping anchor a UAlbany back line that limited UMass Lowell to just five shots and two shots on goal. The Great Danes recorded their fifth shutout of the season, with Tanaka also contributing offensively by recording the secondary assist on Kimata's game-winning goal.
 
Tanaka's defensive versatility has been a consistent strength for UAlbany throughout the season. Frequently moving between positions, including along the back line, Tanaka has helped the Great Danes limit opponents to 81 total shots and 28 shots on goal through nine matches. UAlbany's .500 shutout percentage ranks 17th nationally and second in the America East.
 
The trio's performances helped UAlbany improve to 6-2-1 overall and remain perfect in America East play at 2-0-0. The Great Danes currently sit alone atop the America East standings with six points and have posted three consecutive shutouts.
 
UAlbany returns to action Saturday, Oct. 10, as the Great Danes host Bryant in an America East matchup at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
 
Social Central: For more information on the UAlbany men's soccer team, follow the squad's official social media accounts on X and Instagram, and UAlbany Soccer on Facebook.