Blackburn Pair Sweep Player of the Week Honors

Posted: Mar 15, 2021

Blackburn College Men's Soccer players Luke Atkinson and Dawson Klunk swept the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week awards for the week ending March 14th. Atkinson and Klunk played huge roles in Blackburn's season opening 2-1 win over Principia College.

Klunk, a sophomore goalkeeper from Roxana (Roxana HS), was awarded defensive player of the week as he saved 10 of 11 shots on goal including two saves on penalty kicks.

"Dawson had an incredible game. It's rare to see a keeper shut down two PK's in the same game. If Principia converts, we go down 3-0. He came up with big saves throughout the match. We couldn't be more proud of Dawson's growth this year. His performance is a testament to the work he has put in. We're excited to see Dawson earn this honor and lead his team to a victory," said Blackburn Coach Rob Steinkuehler.

Atkinson, a freshman from Alton (Marquette HS), was awarded the offensive player of the week as he scored both of the Beavers goals including the game winner with just 21 seconds remaining in the match.

"Luke was put on the spot in his college debut. I picked him to take the PK and he didn't disappoint. Luke helped make our attack more dangerous with his play on the ball and movement away from the ball. At the end of the match he made a great run to make himself dangerous and Anthony Coppotelli fed him a beautiful ball for him to put away the game winner. We're happy for Luke and expect great things from him this season," said Steinkuehler.