Photo by: Creighton Athletics
Gillingham and Shimonishi Earn BIG EAST Weekly Honors
9/16/2024 1:14:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Omaha, Neb. – Creighton's Blake Gillingham and Ryusei Shimonishi claimed BIG EAST Goalkeeper and Defensive Player of the Week honors, as announced by the league office on Monday, September 16. Junior midfielder Jackson Castro also earned a spot on the BIG EAST's weekly honor roll.
It is the first weekly honor for Shimonishi, while Gillingham collected the Goalkeeper of the Week nod following a 0-0 draw with Tulsa in 2023 (Sept. 25).
Gillingham posted consecutive shutout victories as the Bluejays bested (RV) Grand Canyon (1-0) and Tulsa (3-0). It marked the first time a Creighton keeper has recorded consecutive shutouts since the 2022 BIG EAST Tournament against Seton Hall (6-0) and Georgetown (3-0). Gillingham faced 21 shots in the two matches, notching eight combined saves. He also made three critical stops that did not result in saves, yet prevented goals.
Shimonishi opened the week by heading in the game-winning goal in the Bluejays' 1-0 road win over (RV) Grand Canyon, then delivered an assist in Creighton's 3-0 win over Tulsa. The Creighton defender helped the Bluejays deliver its second and third shutouts of the season. Creighton limited Grand Canyon to 12 shots, including five in the second half, and four corner kicks. In the following contest Shimonishi and the Bluejay defense limited Tulsa to 10 shots and six corners.
In addition, Castro earned a spot on the BIG EAST Honor Roll. The Bluejay captain set the Bluejays' game-winning goal in motion at (RV) Grand Canyon, earning an assist for the 1-0 win. Jackson followed the performance against the Lopes by delivering an unassisted goal in the eighth minute (7:36). Castro stole the ball off a Tulsa header and slid left of the goalie to laser the ball to the bottom right of the net. Later in the match he set Creighton's third goal in motion with his third assist of the season. During the Bluejays' two victories, Castro led the team with four points on one goal and two assists.
Castro, Gillingham, Shimonishi and the rest of the Creighton men's soccer team return to the pitch on Friday, Sept. 20 as they open up BIG EAST play against Georgetown in Morrison Stadium at 6 p.m. (CT).
It is the first weekly honor for Shimonishi, while Gillingham collected the Goalkeeper of the Week nod following a 0-0 draw with Tulsa in 2023 (Sept. 25).
Gillingham posted consecutive shutout victories as the Bluejays bested (RV) Grand Canyon (1-0) and Tulsa (3-0). It marked the first time a Creighton keeper has recorded consecutive shutouts since the 2022 BIG EAST Tournament against Seton Hall (6-0) and Georgetown (3-0). Gillingham faced 21 shots in the two matches, notching eight combined saves. He also made three critical stops that did not result in saves, yet prevented goals.
Shimonishi opened the week by heading in the game-winning goal in the Bluejays' 1-0 road win over (RV) Grand Canyon, then delivered an assist in Creighton's 3-0 win over Tulsa. The Creighton defender helped the Bluejays deliver its second and third shutouts of the season. Creighton limited Grand Canyon to 12 shots, including five in the second half, and four corner kicks. In the following contest Shimonishi and the Bluejay defense limited Tulsa to 10 shots and six corners.
In addition, Castro earned a spot on the BIG EAST Honor Roll. The Bluejay captain set the Bluejays' game-winning goal in motion at (RV) Grand Canyon, earning an assist for the 1-0 win. Jackson followed the performance against the Lopes by delivering an unassisted goal in the eighth minute (7:36). Castro stole the ball off a Tulsa header and slid left of the goalie to laser the ball to the bottom right of the net. Later in the match he set Creighton's third goal in motion with his third assist of the season. During the Bluejays' two victories, Castro led the team with four points on one goal and two assists.
Castro, Gillingham, Shimonishi and the rest of the Creighton men's soccer team return to the pitch on Friday, Sept. 20 as they open up BIG EAST play against Georgetown in Morrison Stadium at 6 p.m. (CT).
Goalkeeper: Blake Gillingham, Creighton
Freshman: Tia Kauschke, Seton Hall
Honor Roll
Jason Bouregy, Villanova
Jackson Castro, Creighton
Max Kerkvliet, Connecticut
Tyler Morck, St. John's
Caleb Norris, Butler
Jason Bouregy, Villanova
Jackson Castro, Creighton
Max Kerkvliet, Connecticut
Tyler Morck, St. John's
Caleb Norris, Butler
Players Mentioned
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