Local trio honored

UC Irvine senior Irving Garcia highlights three local collegiate soccer players recognized for heroics last week.

Garcia, a preseason All-American for the Anteaters, has been named National Player of the Week by TopDrawerSoccer.com, as well as Big West Conference Athlete of the Week in his sport.

Vanguard University women’s standouts Gabriela Valles and Jillian Foss have been named offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, by the Golden State Athletic Conference.

Garcia scored both goals in the Anteaters’ 2-1 overtime win at New Mexico Wednesday, then had a goal and an assist in a 3-0 Big West triumph at Cal State Northridge Saturday.

With two game-winning goals in the two matches, Garcia now has five for his career, which ranks No. 8 all-time in conference history.

UCI is 8-4, 1-2 in conference.

Valles had a hat trick to help the No. 9-ranked Lions earn a 4-1 upset over top-ranked Cal Baptist in a conference home game Wednesday.

The sophomore midfielder then had two goals and an assist in a 3-0 nonconference win over visiting Embry-Riddle of Arizona on Saturday.

Valles has seven goals and four assists this season.

Foss, a senior goalkeeper, had one save against Embry-Riddle. She has six shutouts this season.

— From staff reports