BANKS EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

DURHAM, N.H. - Chris Banks (Westborough, Mass.), a senior forward on the University of New Hampshire men's soccer team, punched in the game-winning goal against No. 15 Boston University and the first of two goals in a 2-0 win over No. 25 UMBC to propel the Wildcats to their fourth victory in the last five games, was selected by the conference as the America East Co-Player of the Week Monday afternoon.

Banks notched the goal against BU in the 73rd minute on a header from a cross pass by Coleman to give the Wildcats the win, snapping the Terriers' five-game winning streak. With the win, the Wildcats remain unbeaten on the road against Boston University for the sixth straight year, as they have not lost at Nickerson Field since 2003.

Later in the week against UMBC, Banks was at it again, scoring his second goal of the week. Jordan Thomas (Mohnton, Pa.) picked up the ball and forwarded it to a wide-open Banks on the right wing, knocking the ball into the far left hand corner of the net from 14 yards out at 60:27.

The goal provided an early spark for the ‘Cats as they went on to win 2-0, with the Retrievers suffering their first home loss and shutout of the season. For the Wildcats, the win not only was their fourth in the last five games, but was also the second time in four days they defeated a nationally ranked team on the road.

Banks leads the Wildcats in both goals and points this season, with four and nine, respectively. Three of those four goals are game-winners, including the most recent against the Terriers. The forward has also led the ‘Cats in shots in every game this season, compiling a total of 36.

Banks and the Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 14 when they play host to the Hartford Hawks, at 3 p.m. at Lewis Fields.