Julius James (Maloney Gardens, Trinidad) has been named the BIG EAST Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office Monday. The sophomore defender helped UConn to two home shutouts, a double-overtime 0-0 draw against No. 8 St. John's on Friday and a 1-0 defeat of Syracuse on Sunday.
James, a 2005 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy candidate, and the Huskies did not give up a shot against St. John’s for the first 51:56, and held them to only three shots on goal through the game. He came up with several key blocks down the stretch, including two in the final overtime period to keep the Red Storm from scoring.
Against Syracuse, UConn allowed only three shots on goal behind James' defensive effort.
James and the Huskies return to action Wednesday night at 7:00 against Sacred Heart in UConn’s Joseph J. Morrone Stadium.