GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – North Carolina sophomore forward Alessia Russo has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week, and Virginia Tech junior goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is this week’s ACC Defensive Player of the Week.
 
In a battle of ACC unbeatens, Russo was the difference as North Carolina scored five unanswered goals to beat Louisville 5-1, ending the Cardinals' four-game winning streak.  After Louisville took the lead on a breakaway in the sixth minute, Russo tied the game in the 16th minute on a 28-yard direct free kick.  Just 3:20 later, she split two defenders perfectly and scored on a fast break to give the Tar Heels the lead for good in the 20th minute.  Later in the first half, Russo dribbled deep into the box and was taken down by the Louisville defense.  Taylor Otto scored on the ensuing penalty kick, giving the Tar Heels a 4-1 lead that would never be challenged.
 
McGlynn led the Hokies to a pair of shutouts against No. 6 Virginia (1-0) and Pitt (2-0) to move to 3-1-0 in ACC play, its second-best league start in program history. McGlynn totaled seven saves in the two wins, which included six against UVA. The upset over the Cavaliers marked the Hokies’ first win over top-10 team  since Nov. 8, 2013 (No. 1 Virginia, 4-2 in ACC Championship semifinal). McGlynn has not allowed a goal in 295:58.
 
ACC play continues on Thursday, Oct. 4 with seven league matches.
 
 
ACC Women’s Soccer Weekly Awards
Week 1 – Aug. 21
Offensive: Maisie Whitsett, Fr., F, Louisville
Co-Defensive: Julia Ashley, Sr., D, North Carolina & Mandy McGlynn, Jr., G, Virginia Tech
 
Week 2 – Aug. 28
Offensive: Kia Rankin, Jr., F, NC State
Defensive: Brooke Heinsohn, R-So., GK, Duke
 
Week 3 – Sept. 4
Offensive: Yujie Zhao, Fr., M, Florida State
Defensive: Nonie Frishette, Sr., GK, Wake Forest
 
Week 4 – Sept. 11
Offensive: Rebecca Jarrett, Fr., F., Virginia
Co-Defensive: Brianna Westrup, Sr., D, Virginia
Co-Defensive: Brooke Bollinger, R-Fr., GK, Florida State
 
Week 5 – Sept. 18
Offensive: Rachel Jones, Fr., F, North Carolina
Defensive: Taylor Otto, R-So., M, North Carolina
 
Week 6 – Sept. 24
Co-Offensive: Jenna Bike, Jr., F, Boston College & Mariana Speckmaier, So., F, Clemson
Defensive: Alexis Bryant, GS, Goalkeeper, Boston College
 
Week 7 – Oct. 2
Offensive: Alessia Russo, So., F, North Carolina
Defensive: Mandy McGlynn, Jr., GK, Virginia Tech