ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Vance Sheffield of the Northern Illinois University men's soccer team has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week, announced by the league office on Tuesday (Oct. 7). 

Sheffield recorded a goal and an assist in NIU's 2-1 comeback victory over Bradley this past Saturday night (Oct. 4). Trailing the Braves, 1-0, Sheffield provided the assist on Martin Montoya's tying goal in the 87th minute. Two minutes later, Sheffield scored the winner, heading home a free kick from Montoya to give the Huskies a 2-1 victory. 

The game-winning goal was Sheffield's fifth goal of the season, which is tied for the fourth-most by a freshman in the country. His five goals are also the most by a NIU freshman since 2018 when Nick Markanich netted eight. Sheffield's 12 points (five goals, two assists) are tied for the team lead with Katai Mukuka. The West Linn, Ore., native is one of just five players to have started all 10 matches for the Huskies this season. 

Sheffield and the Huskies return to action on Saturday, Oct. 11, when they travel to Western Michigan. Kickoff against the Broncos is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.