Marshall University Athletics
Osmanu Named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week
10/7/2019 2:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
First weekly award for senior defender
IRVING, Texas – Marshall men's soccer senior defender Illal Osmanu was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday. It is the first weekly award for Osmanu.
"I thought defensively, we were solid as a whole team, and any number of guys could've been nominated this week," Herd head coach Chris Grassie said. "Paulo (Pita) also played really well. But, Illal was tremendous, and has consistently been one of the best defenders in the country. He's tough as nails, fast and strong, and is really comfortable on the ball. He deserves it."
The senior defender excels at cutting off opposing attackers and running down loose balls down the field and getting it back under Marshall's control. Osmanu uses his size, speed, strength and knowledge of the game and his opponents very well to help his team control possession.
Marshall is on the verge of potentially being ranked in the top 25 as the squad was receiving votes in the latest NCAA/United Soccer Coaches Poll (Oct. 1), that put the Herd at 26th overall. The new poll is due to be released Tuesday afternoon. Osmanu helped Marshall make its case, leading the defense in two shutouts this past week against Dayton (2-0) and UAB (6-0).
In the first shutout over Dayton, Marshall outshot the Flyers 12-8 as the Herd defense continued to clamp down on its streaking opponent. Dayton had come into the contest winners of four-straight by a combined score of 12-0, including a 2-0 win over then No. 20 WVU. Marshall's defense, led by Osmanu, tightened its grip and made it harder and harder for the Flyers to attempt a comeback.
Marshall's defense played an even stronger match against the UAB Blazers on Saturday night. Osmanu and the Herd D, held UAB to just two total shots. Marshall's attack and defensive play was so effective that the Herd's backs spent a good portion of the match playing near midfield.
The Accra, Ghana native played his freshman season at the University of Charleston under coach Grassie and transferred to Marshall when Grassie was named head coach at Marshall in the winter of 2017. In his now three years with the Herd, Osmanu has played and started 47 matches, logged over 4,000 minutes on the pitch, has scored three goals and has one assist. He has missed only 14 minutes this season to deal with a minor injury against UTRGV.
For all of the latest information on the Marshall men's soccer team, follow the Herd on Twitter @HerdMSoccer, Facebook at Marshall University Soccer and on www.herdzone.com.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!
"I thought defensively, we were solid as a whole team, and any number of guys could've been nominated this week," Herd head coach Chris Grassie said. "Paulo (Pita) also played really well. But, Illal was tremendous, and has consistently been one of the best defenders in the country. He's tough as nails, fast and strong, and is really comfortable on the ball. He deserves it."
The senior defender excels at cutting off opposing attackers and running down loose balls down the field and getting it back under Marshall's control. Osmanu uses his size, speed, strength and knowledge of the game and his opponents very well to help his team control possession.
Marshall is on the verge of potentially being ranked in the top 25 as the squad was receiving votes in the latest NCAA/United Soccer Coaches Poll (Oct. 1), that put the Herd at 26th overall. The new poll is due to be released Tuesday afternoon. Osmanu helped Marshall make its case, leading the defense in two shutouts this past week against Dayton (2-0) and UAB (6-0).
In the first shutout over Dayton, Marshall outshot the Flyers 12-8 as the Herd defense continued to clamp down on its streaking opponent. Dayton had come into the contest winners of four-straight by a combined score of 12-0, including a 2-0 win over then No. 20 WVU. Marshall's defense, led by Osmanu, tightened its grip and made it harder and harder for the Flyers to attempt a comeback.
Marshall's defense played an even stronger match against the UAB Blazers on Saturday night. Osmanu and the Herd D, held UAB to just two total shots. Marshall's attack and defensive play was so effective that the Herd's backs spent a good portion of the match playing near midfield.
The Accra, Ghana native played his freshman season at the University of Charleston under coach Grassie and transferred to Marshall when Grassie was named head coach at Marshall in the winter of 2017. In his now three years with the Herd, Osmanu has played and started 47 matches, logged over 4,000 minutes on the pitch, has scored three goals and has one assist. He has missed only 14 minutes this season to deal with a minor injury against UTRGV.
For all of the latest information on the Marshall men's soccer team, follow the Herd on Twitter @HerdMSoccer, Facebook at Marshall University Soccer and on www.herdzone.com.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!
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