EDISON, NJ— Sophomore Fernando Alves Schmelz of the Iona University men's soccer team was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon. Schmelz posted two shutouts this past week for the Maroon & Gold.

A second team All-MAAC honoree a season ago, it is the Lisbon, Portugal native's second MAAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The first came back on September 30, 2024 after a career-high six saves in a shutout 1-0 win over Rider. Schmelz was also a two-time MAAC Rookie of the Week honoree in 2024.

FERNANDO ALVES SCHMELZ

In the 1-0-1 week of league action, Schmelz tallied two shutouts and eight saves in the four-point week for Iona. He opened the week with four saves in the 0-0 draw against Siena on Wednesday at Mazzella Field. Schmelz followed that up with four more saves in the 3-0 road win at Rider on Saturday.

UP NEXT

The Gaels return home on Saturday, October 25 for a 1 p.m. contest against Merrimack in the second game of a soccer doubleheader at Mazzella Field.