LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty goalkeeper James Knoebel has been named the Big South Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for games played Sept. 4-11.

      Knoebel recorded a shutout and made a career-high for saves in a game, as the Flames went 1-1, this past week.

      The freshman from Warrentown, Va., started the week by helping Liberty (3-2) post its second shutout of the season with five saves in a 1-0 win at USC Upstate. The freshman assisted in setting the tone for the match by making two saves during the first 10 minutes of the contest. He then helped the Flames hold their one-goal advantage with two saves in the last 10 minutes to close out the 1-0 victory.
       Yesterday, Knoebel set a career high with eight saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to undefeated Buffalo (6-0). After allowing a goal during the first three minutes of the contest, the Liberty keeper held the high-scoring Buffalo attack in check during the rest of regulation, allowing the Flames and send the game to overtime. A stopped penalty kick by the NCAA’s leading scorer Russell Cicerone during the 37^th minute highlighted Knoebel’s saves in the game.

      Knoebel and Liberty will host the No. 20 American Eagles at Osborne Stadium on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.