PROVIDENCE, RI (September 7, 2026) – UMass Boston men's soccer standouts senior John Arruda (Espirito Santo, Brazil) and Ian Visnick (Beverly, Mass.) were recognized by the Little East Conference on Monday, with Arruda earning Offensive Player of the Week honors and Visnick being named Defensive Player of the Week following a perfect 3-0-0 start for the Beacons.

Arruda played a pivotal role in all three UMass Boston victories, scoring the game-winning goal in each contest to open the season with three goals in as many games. The junior forward scored in a 2-1 victory over Salve Regina on September 1 before finding the back of the net again in a 2-1 comeback victory over Bridgewater State on September 3. He capped the week with the game-winning goal in the 84th minute of UMass Boston's 3-2 comeback victory over St. Joseph's (Maine) on September 6.

Visnick anchored a UMass Boston defense that helped the Beacons open the season with three consecutive victories. The senior defender started and played all 90 minutes in each of the three contests, helping UMass Boston limit Salve Regina to four shots, including just one on target, in the season opener.

Against Bridgewater State, Visnick again played the full 90 minutes as the Beacons held the Bears to just three total shots and one shot on goal in a 2-1 victory. He followed that performance by playing all 90 minutes in Sunday's 3-2 win at St. Joseph's, as UMass Boston held a 25-6 advantage in shots and finished the week 3-0-0.

UMass Boston men's soccer returns to action Friday, September 11th for the 2026 home opener from the BC High JV Field against Wittenburg University. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 PM.

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