Auburn’s Morgan Is Goalie of Week

ATLANTA – Auburn pulled off a stunner on Friday night, defeating a Top 10 squad thanks to the efforts of Tigers sophomore netminder Craig Morgan, who was named the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending March 26.

Playing No. 7 Florida State on the road in Tallahassee, the stopper from Peachtree City, Ga., came up huge for the Tigers. He made 22 saves as Auburn pulled off the 13-11 upset.

The following day, Morgan contributed with a half of play in the Tigers’ 20-4 victory over SELC divisional foe Central Florida, turning away five shots and allowing a pair of goals.

For the 2-0 weekend, he made 27 saves against just 13 goals allowed – a save percentage of 67.5.

“I told Craig as we loaded the bus Friday morning, I just had a feeling he was about to play the best game of his life that night,” said Auburn coach J.J. Arminio. “Craig is the absolute leader of our defense. A team captain, current VP of the club and just recently voted president for next year.

“I couldn't be prouder of the way he rose to the occasion. He's had some rocky starts this season, so this was validation that he's doing the right things and working to get better.”

For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, Morgan will receive a prize package from Guardian PEARL, a ball that lasts longer than the rest and never greases. Guardian PEARL is the proud partner of the MCLA.

PEARL Honor Roll

Kaelan Bonner, Jr. – Michigan State
The Spartans pocketed a pair of conference victories over Purdue and Indiana thanks to a combined 30 saves from the Ann Arbor, Mich., product.

Reed McCall, Sr. – Georgia
The Sparta, N.J., backstop turned away 17 shots, leading the Bulldogs to a tight, 11-7 triumph over James Madison.

Connor Nichols, Jr. – Simon Fraser
The Coquitlam, B.C., netminder made 19 saves and posted a 65.5 save percentage in an 11-10 win over No. 10 Brigham Young.

Lars Rostad, Soph. – Minnesota
The Anoka, Minn., native combined for 30 saves and 75.0 save percentage in big wins over Missouri and Illinois.