Contact: Matthew Eaker, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, mreaker@noctrl.edu 

CCIW Press Release 

Oct. 25, 2022 - After taking down two College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) opponents last week and claiming their first CCIW Regular Season Title since 1994, Matteo Innocenti of the North Central College men' soccer team earned CCIW Offensive Player of the Week while teammate Edoardo Bonifacio was honored as Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. 

Innocenti, a freshman from Rome, Italy, had an offensive outburst in the Cardinals 4-0 shutout over Millikin University on Wednesday. Innocenti picked up his first career hat trick as he scored in the 24th, 45th and 47th minute to send the Cardinals past the Big Blue. Innocenti also dished out an assist in the Cardinals 3-2 win over Illinois Wesleyan. Innocenti led the CCIW in points (7) and goals (3) while ranking fourth in assist (1) this week. 

Bonifacio, a freshman from Rome, Italy, anchored the Cardinals defense this week that only allowed 12 shots and two goals. Bonifacio and the Cardinals defense only allowed three shots on goal in their shutout win at Millikin on Wednesday while only allowing four shots on goals against Illinois Wesleyan. Bonifacio was also a threat on the offensive side of the ball as he scored two goals in the Cardinals 3-2 win over Illinois Wesleyan including the game winner in the 68th minute. 

The Cardinals will honor their six senior members on Wednesday night prior to their season finale against Augustana College. Game time is set for 7:30 pm inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. 

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