Provided by Cumberland Sports Information

LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland goalkeeper Eric Zalaya has been named the NAIA Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, the NAIA announced Tuesday. 

Zalaya was instrumental in Cumberland's draw against No. 24 Bethel last Friday, recording 10 saves to preserve the shutout, the first time this season the Wildcats have been held scoreless. Bethel fired 14 total shots, including nine in the first half, and earned five corner kicks, but Zalaya and the Phoenix defense stood firm.

Zalaya becomes the third Phoenix to earn the honor. Bakary Bagayoko earned the NAIA Offensive Player of the Week in 2021 and Bennet Strutz won the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week award twice, once in 2017 and once in 2018. 

The Phoenix are at home this afternoon to host Freed-Hardeman University. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.