NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Powering their team to a take-down of then undefeated Illinois Wesleyan this past Homecoming Saturday, fifth-year midfielder Jostein Blindheim and freshman midfielder Alexander Gahm were named the respective College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Defensive and Offensive Players of the Week on Tuesday afternoon. Blindheim and Gahm represent the fourth and fifth different Viking men's soccer players to earn a weekly honor by the CCIW.

Blindheim kept the Titans on the defensive last Saturday, putting multiple shots on frame before a follow-up shot in the 22nd minute marked the first score. Blindheim was on the field for nearly 80 minutes in both NPU shutout wins last week against Elmhurst, 1-0, and Illinois Wesleyan, 2-0.

Gahm's first collegiate goal was a pivotal one, putting the Vikings ahead by two against the Titans. Following a cross from fellow freshman midfielder Bastian Eikeland, Gahm's timely jump led to a header goal in the 41st minute. Gahm logged 75 minutes of field time in both shutout wins for the Vikings.