Elon’s Chris Thomas and West Virginia’s Frances Silva have each been named Disney Soccer/NSCAA Player of the Week for their on-field accomplishments, Sept. 18-24.

Elon went 2-0 last week, thanks to Thomas’ four goals. In the Phoenix’s 2-1 win over William & Mary, the senior forward finished a pass from teammate Matt Wescoe for the game-tying goal in the 63^rd minute. He followed up in the 96^th minute, converting a penalty kick into the golden goal for the overtime win.

The Snellville, Ga., native then tallied both goals in the shutout over then-No. 6 Charlotte. Thomas scored in the 13^th and an insurance goal in the 33^rd minute.

Silva tallied six points on three goals, including back-to-back game-winning goals, in the Mountaineers two wins. Against Texas Tech, Silva put WVU up 1-0 with a score in the 33^rd minute and then converted a penalty kick for the victory.

She was also responsible for the lone goal in WVU’s 1-0 upset of nationally-ranked Oklahoma State later in the week.

The junior forward from Overland Park, Kan. leads the Big 12 with eight goals and is tied with teammate Kate Schwindel for the conference lead with 18 points.

The Disney Soccer/NSCAA National Player of the Week are announced every Wednesday. One male and one female player is selected by a committee from nominations submitted primarily by NCAA Division I conferences.

Winners will also be recognized each week during NSCAA College Game of the Week broadcasts on FOX Soccer.

 This week’s other men’s finalists include senior midfielder Carlos Alvarez (Connecticut), senior midfielder Michele Pataria (Drexel) and senior forward Emery Welshman (Oregon State).

The other women’s finalists included junior forward Kristen Hamilton (Denver), junior forward Maya Hayes (Penn State), sophomore forward Kylie Davis (Memphis) and freshman goalkeeper Abby Smith (Texas).

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