University of North Carolina Athletics
Rutkowski Tabbed ACC Defensive Player Of The Week
October 20, 2026 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina men's soccer goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Week award after posting a clean sheet against No. 7 Pitt last Friday. This marks Rutkowski's first ACC honor after the sophomore took over as the Tar Heels' keeper this season.
Â
Rutkowski led a Carolina backline that held Pitt scoreless for the first time in nine matches, helping the Tar Heels break the Panthers string of six consecutive unbeaten. He tallied one save on the night but was outstanding in claiming and punching away crosses, while cleaning up a number of balls that were played in behind the defense. The clean sheet was Rutkowski's fourth of the season.
Â
The Tar Heels are currently on a five-match winning streak and head to Durham Friday to take on Duke at 8Â p.m. on ACC Network.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Â
Â
Rutkowski led a Carolina backline that held Pitt scoreless for the first time in nine matches, helping the Tar Heels break the Panthers string of six consecutive unbeaten. He tallied one save on the night but was outstanding in claiming and punching away crosses, while cleaning up a number of balls that were played in behind the defense. The clean sheet was Rutkowski's fourth of the season.
Â
The Tar Heels are currently on a five-match winning streak and head to Durham Friday to take on Duke at 8Â p.m. on ACC Network.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Â
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Men's SoccerTuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 20