Mathers Collects Pair of Weekly Honors

DURHAM, N.C.—Duke University senior captain Zach Mathers captured Team of the Week recognition from both College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer following his seven-point performance against No. 23 NC State last week. Mathers finished with three goals and an assist to lead the Blue Devils to the 6-2 win.

Mathers tallied the opening goal on a penalty kick in the 24th minute after Jeremy Ebobisse was taken down in the box. The senior midfielder was the one who made the through pass that led to the penalty call as well.

In the 34th minute, the veteran midfielder hit a blast from 20 yards out to put the Blue Devils up 3-0. After assisting on Duke's fourth goal, he added his third in the 52nd minute, firing home a rebound from his initial shot.

The hat trick was the first of Mathers' career and the first by a Blue Devil since Andrew Wenger had three against NC State in 2011. The seven points matched Wenger's total against the Wolfpack as well.

Mathers has seven goals and four assists for 18 points this season, just four shy of the 22 he had his previous three seasons combined. His seven goals are one more than the past three seasons.

Duke (6-6-2) hosts Elon in a crucial non-conference match Tuesday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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