ST. LOUIS – For the second time in the last four weeks, Evansville freshman Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain/IES Joan Miro) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, the league office announced on Tuesday afternoon. Additionally, Escudero was named national Freshman of the Week by College Soccer News, the publication announced on Tuesday morning.

Escudero earns the accolades after posting his third brace of the season on Saturday night at UIC, helping the Purple Aces secure a 2-2 draw and remain atop the MVC table.

Just 21 seconds after UIC notched the first goal of the match in the 40^th minute, Escudero responded with his seventh goal of the season to even the score at one heading into halftime. In the second half, the Aces faced a 2-1 deficit, but Escudero struck again with a goal in the 85^th minute to help his team leave Chicago with a crucial point.

The brace was Escudero's third of the season, making him one of two freshmen in the country with three braces this season and the first UE freshman with three braces in a season since Nacho Diaz Barragan in 2022. Escudero also became one of 12 players in the country this season with three games scoring two goals or more.

Escudero has put together one of the most prolific freshman campaigns in Purple Aces program history, with his eight goals being the most by an Evansville freshman since MVC Freshman of the Year Nacho Diaz Barragan in 2022. Among freshmen nationally, Escudero ranks third in goals scored and ranks 16^th among all players with eight.

Escudero and the Purple Aces are back in action on Friday, celebrating Senior Night against Bradley at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 PM.