DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College senior goaltender Juan Carlos De La Cruz has been named the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's soccer Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight week.

De La Cruz helped the Bison go 1-0-1 on the week by making 18 saves and only allowing two goals, bringing his save percentage to a conference-high .844. De La Cruz also leads the conference in saves with 38 on the young season and helped lower his goals against average (GAA) this past week by picking up a .90 GAA.

The Stamford, Connecticut native made five saves in a double overtime tie against Mass. Maritime before making a season high 13 saves versus Rhode Island College in a 2-1 Bison win on Saturday. "Juan has exceeded our expectations all season. His intensity on the field makes everyone around him better." Said Nichols head coach Chris Traina. "His attitude is contagious and with it our team continues to stay focused and driven." This was De La Cruz's second DPOW honor this season.

The Bison return to action on Thursday September 19 at home against Anna Maria.