Santa Clara University goalkeeper Jackson Ozburn has been recognized as the West Coast Conference (WCC) Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. The announcement follows his performance in a recent match against Portland, where he secured a shutout and made a crucial penalty kick save.
During the game, Ozburn’s save on a penalty kick in the 48th minute was followed by another stop on a rebound shot. He finished with five saves, contributing to his seventh clean sheet of the season. Santa Clara won the match 1-0 with Niv Berkovitz scoring in the 75th minute, ending Portland’s 23-match unbeaten streak.
Portland came into the game averaging 2.62 goals per game, ranking third nationally in offense. After a video assistant referee review awarded Portland a penalty kick, Ozburn saved Joe Highfield’s attempt and then stopped Alex Waggoner’s follow-up shot from close range. This marked only the second time this year that Portland did not score in a match.
Ozburn had previously received WCC Defensive Player of the Week honors on September 1 and October 6.
Santa Clara is scheduled to play its next match against league leader Oregon State on Sunday.
“Coming off a shutout performance that included a penalty kick save against fifth-ranked Portland, Santa Clara men’s soccer goalkeeper Jackson Ozburn has been named West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season.”
“Ozburn’s PK save came in the 48th minute that was immediately followed by another save on a rebound shot as part of a five save effort for his seventh clean sheet on the year.”
“Niv Berkovitz delivered the game-winning goal in the 75th minute for the lone goal of the match to help snap Portland’s 23-match unbeaten streak.”
“The Pilots entered the game with the nation’s third most prolific offense averaging 2.62 goals per game and after a VAR review, they were awarded a penalty kick. However, the 6-foot-3 keeper turned away Joe Highfield’s left-footed PK attempt as he dove to his right and quickly got up to make another stop on Alex Waggoner’s shot off the rebound from point blank range. It was just the second time this year that Portland failed to score.”
“Ozburn was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week back on Sept. 1 and Oct. 6.”
“The Broncos next play on Sunday at league leader Oregon State.”
