Sept. 15, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee senior goalkeeper Grant Fernstrum has been named Horizon League Men's Soccer Player of the Week for the period of Sept. 8-14. It marks the third time in Fernstrum's career that he has claimed the honor.
Fernstrum, a Green Bay, Wis., native, led host Milwaukee to the team title at the Panther Invitational over the weekend. The senior opened the weekend by posting a shutout in a 0-0 tie against Binghamton Friday night. Fernstrum stopped the only BU shot on goal as UWM controlled play most of the match. The Panthers racked up a 20-9 shot advantage on the way to the shutout.
On Sunday, Fernstrum registered another shutout, making 10 saves in a 1-0 victory over Cal State Northridge. The 10-save total was just one short of his career high. The Matadors matched Fernstrum's effort until UWM sophomore Peter Sanger scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute.
For the week, Fernstrum totaled 200 minutes of scoreless goalkeeping with 11 saves and was named the Panther Invitational MVP. He lowered his season goals against average to 0.78 over the weekend, and he now has three shutouts this season.
He has also garnered national attention for his efforts, as College Soccer News has tabbed Fernstrum for the National Team of the Week.
Fernsturm currently leads the league in saves (36), saves per game (6.00) and shutouts (3). He stands second in the league in goals against average (0.78) and save percentage (.878).
Fernstrum was previously named Horizon League Men's Soccer Player of the Week on Sept. 4, 2006, and Oct. 10, 2005.
Milwaukee (2-2-2) will play one match this week, a home contest Saturday against SIU-Edwardsville at 8 p.m. ET.