Oct. 25, 2004

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Freshman Diego Barrera was named the West Coast Conference men's soccer Co-Player of the Week, the conference announced today. The crafty midfielder/forward was also named to College Soccer News' National Team of the Week. Barrera scored three goals to lead the Lions to two conference wins over San Diego to maintain the top spot in the WCC, undefeated at 6-0-1.

On Friday, Barrera got the Lions on the board quickly, scoring the first goal of the game in the 11th minute, and added LMU's fourth goal of the game in the 33rd minute to give the Lions a commanding 4-0 lead. LMU held on to beat San Diego 4-2.

He scored the game-tying goal in Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Toreros, heading in a cross from Matthew Mejia in the 77th minute. His goal provided a boost to the team, as the Lions scored the game winner just four minutes later.

Barrera now leads the conference with 10 points in WCC action (4 goals, 2 assists). LMU's offense has come alive in conference play, as the Lions average 2.57 goals per game, more than a goal ahead of any other team.

San Francisco's Aaron Chandler was the other Co-Player of the Week. The forward scored two game-winning goals to lead the Dons to two victories over Saint Mary's.

It is the first career honor for the freshman, and the second honor this season for the LMU men's soccer team. Matt Kovar was named the WCC Player of the Week after leading the defense to two straight shutouts to open conference play.

-GO LIONS-