SPORTS BRIEF: Crimson soccer stars clean up in Ivy League weekly awards

Harvard soccer’s two sophomore stars, forward Andre’ Akpan of the men’s team and goalkeeper Lauren Mann of the women’s, have both been named Ivy League Player of the Week.

Akpan, named to College Sports’ Preseason All-America Second Team, scored game-winning goals in the Crimson’s contests against Boston University and Vermont last week before adding another in a win over Massachusetts on Sunday. Just for good measure, Akpan also assisted on sophomore Brian Grimm’s goal in Sunday’s matchup. Harvard, ranked 11th in the nation, has received a team-high three goals and three assists from its star forward this season.

Mann recorded back-to-back shutouts this weekend in the Crimson’s two 1-0 wins over Boston University and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a young Harvard offense created lots of chances but struggled to find the back of the net, the sophomore kept her team in the game with several thrilling saves. Mann’s save count ran to 12 on the weekend, and her shutout count to three on the season—already equaling her count from last season. Success in net is nothing new for Mann, who picked up 84 saves on the year in a standout freshman campaign.

Both Akpan and Mann have collected their fair share of accolades on the field with the Crimson. Both players were named Ivy League Rookie of the Year last season, while Akpan also picked up an All-Ivy First Team nod.

Akpan and Mann’s counterparts from the opposite team were named to the Ivy League Honor Roll. Senior goalkeeper Adam Hahn impressed in net with six saves for the men, while freshman forward Gina Wideroff scored two game-winning goals in Harvard victories for the women.

—EMILY W. CUNNINGHAM