University Park, Pa. — The members of the nation's most prolific scoring tandem, Penn State junior forward Corey Hertzog (Reading, Pa.) and senior midfielder Matheus Braga (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), have been recognized with national and conference honors for their standout play in two decisive Nittany Lion victories last week.
Hertzog, the nation's leader in points (17) and points per game (2.83), was named TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Week and was also honored on the College Soccer News National Team of the Week. In a 2-0 win over Air Force in Colorado Springs on Friday evening, Hertzog sealed the game for the Nittany Lions with a goal in the 59th minute, chipping in a shot from 15 yards out. In a Mile High City showdown with Denver, he triggered the 4-0 rout with a goal in the 24th minute, his Big Ten-best fourth game winner of the season. Hertzog wasn't finished, however, assisting on a goal by Rafael Faria in the second half that provided the Lions with a 3-0 advantage.
The centerpiece of the Big Ten's top offense, Hertzog also ranks first in the conference in goals (7) and goals per game (1.17).
Braga, who leads the NCAA with eight assists, garnered Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week recognition for the second time in his career for totaling a goal and two assists on Penn State's undefeated road trip through the state of Colorado. Versus Air Force, the native Brazilian assisted on Corey Hertzog's game-clinching goal. Two days later against Denver, Braga combined with Hertzog for the sixth time this season, assisting on his game-winner midway through the first half. Then, just after halftime, he upped Penn State's lead to 2-0 with his first goal of the season. Off a corner kick by midfield mate Drew Cost (West Chester, Pa.), Braga hammered the offering home with a highlight reel diving header.
One of the driving forces behind the Big Ten's most productive offense, Braga ranks second on the team and third in the conference with 10 points.
The 5-1-0 Nittany Lions sit atop the Big Ten standings through the season's first three weeks, sharing first place with Michigan State, and are ranked No. 13 in the nation according to College Soccer News and No. 21 in the TopDrawerSoccer.com Men's Tournament 48 National Ranking. The Nittany Lions are positioned at No. 5 in the NSCAA Great Lakes Region rankings but the national poll is not released until Tuesday. Heading into last weekend's games, Penn State polled at No. 23 in the NSCAA National Rankings.
The Nittany Lions return to action this week, kicking off a two game home stand, beginning on Fri., Sept. 24 when they open Big Ten play by hosting archrival and traditional powerhouse Indiana (3-3-0) at 7:30 p.m. Penn State has taken four of the last seven meetings between the teams, including the last two at Jeffrey Field. The Lions will then welcome regional opponent Saint Francis (Pa.) (3-2-0) to Happy Valley on Wed., Sept. 29 for a 7 p.m. contest. In the teams' last match-up, Penn State routed the Red Flash, 5-0, to open the 2009 season.