FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Monday, September 12, 2016 Lohmann earns GNAC Player of the Week after back-to-back shutouts
Senior Tom Lohmann earns his second career GNAC Player of the Week award, after making 10 saves and notching consecutive shutouts in the Yellowjackets’ two victories over the weekend. PORTLAND, Ore. – Ten saves and back-to-back shutouts have earned Montana State University Billings men’s soccer senior goalkeeper Tom Lohmann Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors announced the conference office Monday. Lohmann, who was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the third annual Rimrock Classic sponsored by TNT Automotive and Marine earlier on Monday, helped the ‘Jackets defeat Dixie State University 1-0 on Friday and South Dakota School of Mines 3-0 on Sunday. “Tom played two very clean, quality games this weekend,” said MSUB head coach Alex Balog. “He helped us win two good regional games by keeping the back line together and making several great saves. Since joining MSUB, Tom has been among the goalkeeping elite in the GNAC and the region. I am happy for him that the conference is recognizing his performances and his hard work with this award.”
Against Dixie State on Friday, Lohmann came up with six denials to help the ‘Jackets to a 1-0 result in their first win of the season. Lohmann followed that up with a four-save performance against the Hardrockers, and he faced 17 shots total in the two matches. Many of Lohmann’s saves came on point-blank shots from close range, and on tough shots off of set pieces inside a crowded goal box. The senior keeper is fourth in MSUB history with 145 career saves. The shutouts bring Lohmann’s career total to six, and he is now one away from tying the all-time record of seven despite beginning just his third season at MSUB. This is the Berlin, Germany native’s second career GNAC Player of the Week award, as he also received the honor for Sept. 29-Oct. 5 during the 2014 season. Lohmann was an honorable mention all-GNAC goalkeeper last year, after starting all 18 matches for the ‘Jackets and totaling 55 saves. He is the first player from MSUB’s men’s soccer team to earn the conference’s weekly award this season. MSUB is next in action at home on Thursday, challenging California Baptist University at 4:30 p.m. at Yellowjacket Field. --@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--