SAN MATEO, Calif. – Portland Pilots men's soccer cleaned up the weekly WCC awards on Monday, with Alejandro Pereira winning WCC Offensive Player of the Week and Kevin Bonilla earning WCC Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first time that both players have earned the honor and the first time the Pilots have had two players win in the same week.
"Very thrilled for our program and for our entire team," Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. "We all believe individual awards are a byproduct of team success. It's been great to see both Kevin and Ale come back from injuries determined to round out into top form. They both continue to give to their teammates in these important WCC games while looking to grow and focus on the present."
Pereira became the first Pilot to notch a hat trick since 2017 when he scored three goals against the San Diego Toreros in Portland's dominant 5-1 victory this past Saturday. The three goals marked the first multi-goal game of any Pilot this season and the first multi-goal game of Pereira's career. They were also Pereira's first three goals of the year.
The senior has consistently been a part of the Pilots' rotation ever since joining the team in 2018. Pereiera has scored 11 goals during his time as a Pilot, his highest goal total being four during the 2019 season. Pereira also became the leading scorer for the Pilots this year after his three goals.
Meanwhile, Bonilla put in an impressive effort on both sides of the field. The sophomore right back hounded the Toreros defensively and also recorded an assist in the 26th minute of Saturday's match. Bonilla also served the ball into the box that would up an own goal in favor of the Pilots.
This isn't the only time Bonilla has earned recognition for his play. Bonilla also was named to the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week back on Sept. 14. That week, Bonilla had the game-winning goal against UCLA, giving the Pilots their first ever regular season win and road win over the Bruins. Bonilla is tied for second on the team in total points this year with four (one goal, two assists) and leads the team in assists after playing every match so far.
The Pilots are off this week, but will have a tough test the following week when they travel to Los Angeles, Calif. to take on the Loyola Marymount Lions. Kickoff for that match is set for Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
