MIAMI (Aug. 31, 2021) - Philip Hildebrandt of the FIU men's soccer team has been named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon.

The award marks the first-ever for newcomer Hildebrandt, who started in his first two contests this past week against No. 13 UCF (Aug. 26) and Florida Gulf Coast (Aug. 29).

Hildebrandt was critical in both of FIU's road victories in the season's opening week. The Panther backliner recorded three points in the two contests combined, including the game-winning goal in overtime at FGCU, and one assist at UCF. Hildebrandt also recorded 170 total minutes in the FIU backline to help secure back-to-back clean-sheets against the two in-state foes.

During the 96th minute against FGCU, Hildebrandt scored the golden-goal that lifted the Panthers over the Eagles, with a brilliant long cross from the right flank that sailed just over the outstretched hands of FGCU's keeper and banged inside the far post to seal the win. Hildebrandt also led the Panthers in shots-on-goal (3) in the contest against Florida Gulf Coast. 

In the season opener against No. 13 UCF, Hildebrandt set up FIU's second goal of the day after curling a beautiful cross from the right wing to Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro, who placed the ball in the back of the net. Hildebrandt played 74 minutes against UCF and greatly contributed to FIU's clean sheet victory against the formidable ranked Knights. 

UP NEXT
The Panthers have the entire week to prepare before playing their much-anticipated home opener in front of the Blue & Gold faithful this Saturday, Sept. 4, against No. 12 VCU. Kickoff against the Rams is slated for 7 p.m. ET under the lights at FIU Soccer Stadium.

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