FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Capital Athletic Conference announced on Monday that Christopher Newport University senior goalkeeper Justin Piercy was named the Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week. Piercy earned the win in the Captains' only action last week, a 3-0 victory over York (Pa.). 

Taking on the Spartans in the CAC opener on Saturday, Piercy made an impact on the offensive side of the ball well before his strong performance on the defensive end. In just the third minute, Piercy smashed a towering right-footed pass up the middle of the field from just outside of his own box. The ball bounced over the final line of Spartans defenders and junior Justin Wilson flicked his first touch over the goalkeeper for the game's first goal. It was the first assist of Piercy's career and the first goalkeeper assist since Zach Pedini chipped in a helper in 2017. 

With the Captains already on the board, Piercy then put together an impressive outing on the other end of the field. He made three first-half saves and five more in the second-half as he held on for the clean sheet. It was his second shutout of the season and the senior netminder lowered his goals-against average to 0.82 for the year. He has played all but 21 minutes in goal for the Captains with 39 saves for an .848 save percentage on 77 shots faced. 

Piercy has now allowed just one goal in the last three games over a span of 310 minutes. He has faced 34 shots in that stretch and made 20 saves. 

Christopher Newport will return to action on Tuesday, October 1 as they travel to Southern Virginia University for conference action against the Knights. Kickoff in Buena Vista, Va. is set for 7:00 pm.