SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –Denver midfielder Holger Olsson and Kansas City goalkeeper Robin Balters collected the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Men’s Soccer Peak Performer of the Week awards. Olson earned his second career offensive honor and first of the season, while Balters claimed the first defensive honor of his career, league officials announced Monday.
Olsson helped Denver take over sole possession of first place with game-winning goals in both of the Pioneers’ victories last week. The Stockholm, Sweden native tallied the only goal in the 43
rd minute during a 1-0 victory over Omaha, then opened the scoring in a 5-0 win over St. Thomas.
Olsson scored in the fifth minute against the Tommies, then set up DU’s second goal in the ninth minute with his second assist of the season.
Balters helped Kansas City move into fourth place in the League standings by earning the first two shutouts of his Division I career. The Sprendlingen, Germany native helped the Roos pick up four points with a 3-0 victory over Western Illinois and a 0-0 draw with Omaha.
Balters stopped the only shot on goal he faced against the Leathernecks, then added three more saves against the Mavericks. He has started the last four matches for the Roos, who are looking to secure a postseason berth for the third consecutive season.
OFFENSIVE PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Holger Olsson, Denver
Jr. | MF | Stockholm, Sweden
- Tallied the game-winning goal in both of DU’s victories last week
- Lifted Pioneers to 1-0 victory over Omaha with 43rd-minute goal
- Opened scoring in the fifth minute and assisted on second goal in ninth minute of 5-0 win over St. Thomas
- This is the second career Summit League weekly honor and first of the season for Olsson
Also nominated: Jose Estrada (Oral Roberts); Miguel Fernandez (Kansas City).
DEFENSIVE PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Robin Balters, Kansas City
So. | GK | Sprendlingen, Germany
- Registered the first two shutouts of his Division I career
- Made a save in 3-0 win over Western Illinois and added three saves in 0-0 draw with Omaha
- This is the first weekly accolade of the season for Balters
Also nominated: Nathanael Sallah (Omaha); Dylan Akau (Denver); Francisco Lopez (Oral Roberts).
2023 Men’s Soccer Peak Performers of the Week
August 28
O: Juan Moreno, Oral Roberts
D: Jason Belloli, Denver
September 5
O: Luis Flores, Oral Roberts
D: Jakub Grzesiak, Oral Roberts
September 11
O: Junior Casillas, Omaha
O: Oje Ofunrein, Denver
D: Ian Smith, Denver
September 18
O: Brice Middleton, Kansas City
D: Nathanael Sallah, Omaha
September 25
O: Sam Bassett, Denver
D: Stefano Camerlengo, Kansas City
October 2
O: Jose Estrada, Oral Roberts
D: Nathanael Sallah, Omaha
October 9
O: Luis Flores, Oral Roberts
D: Isaac Nehme, Denver
October 16
O: Luis Flores, Oral Roberts
D: Jakub Grzesiak, Oral Roberts
October 23
O: Holger Olsson, Denver
D: Robin Balters, Kansas City
#SummitMSOC
