It takes special performances to set records, and Alexandra Thompson delivered nine saves to help Buffalo upset No. 6 Pittsburgh in its first-ever victory over a top-10 opponent. Even better is that the game was in hostile territory as the sophomore conceded just one goal despite ten shots on target and several dangerous crosses from a Panthers team desperate to avoid the home upset.

Please send any future Team of the Week nominations to college@topdrawersoccer.com.

Player of the Week: Alexandra Thompson, Buffalo

Women’s Team of the Week: August 19-26

GK: Alexandra Thompson, Buffalo - Thompson saved nine shots to help the Bulls upset No. 6 Pittsburgh 2-1.

D: Mollie Breiner, Oklahoma State - Helping the Cowgirls to two clean sheet victories from the center of a back three, Breiner played the full 90 in a 1-0 defeat of arch-rivals Oklahoma, then scored on an impressive leap and header in a 4-0 win against Central Arkansas.

D: Lilly Reale, UCLA - Reale took her record-breaking dominance to new levels this week, scoring the lone goal on a breathtaking 80-yard dribble versus Cal Poly, then pitching in an assist to defeat No. 23 Santa Clara 1-0.

D: Sammy Hannwacker, Stony Brook - The Junior defender showcased her set-piece prowess with two corner kick assists to lead Stony Brook past Fairleigh Dickinson 3-2.

M: Anna Haddock, Auburn - The 2024 USL W League MVP continued her excellent form from the summer with two goals and three assists as Auburn blew past Southern Mississippi and Coastal Carolina by a 9-0 aggregate.

M: Michaela McGowan, Denver - At her creative best in two victories, McGowan dominated Texas A&M with a goal and two assists in the 3-2 win, then pitched in another two assists in the 3-0 shutout of Lamar.

M: Rylee Rives, Navy - The physically dominant midfielder showed up when Navy needed her most with three goals and two game-winners in victories over Sacred Heart and Fairleigh Dickinson.

M: Emerson Sargeant, Michigan State - The Michigan native assisted three of the five goals the Spartans scored in a 2-2 draw with Arkansas and a 3-0 defeat of Ohio.

F: Maggie Cagle, Virginia - Cagle was the difference maker with two goals to lead the Cavaliers in a 2-1 away upset of No. 5 Penn State.

F: Trinity Byars, Texas - Byars made SMU pay for every inch of space they gave with 4 goals and an assist in the 6-3 victory.

F: Olivia Thomas, North Carolina - North Carolina was in fine form this week, and Thomas was a significant factor with two strikes in the 4-3 defeat of No. 7 Georgia, then a late goal as the Tar Heels took down Arizona 2-0.

Honorable Mentions: GK Azul Alvarez (Baylor), D Zara Siassi (North Florida), D Tessa Dellarose (North Carolina), D Millie Greer (Iowa), M Ai Kitagawa (Memphis), M Mia Oliaro (Duke), M Aryssa Mahrt (Wisconsin), M Kaya Schultz (Buffalo), F Catherine Barry (South Carolina), F Mady Soumare (Texas State), F Sydney Watts (Vanderbilt)

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