Macoumba Ba Captures BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week

Macoumba Ba Captures BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week

10/16/2023 2:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Ba earns the Red Storm’s third Defensive Player of the Week honor on Monday

QUEENS, N.Y. – After limiting Villanova to just two shots on goal in St. John's men's soccer team's 3-1 victory over Villanova, midfielder Macoumba Ba earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday.

Ba is the third Johnnie this season to earn a defensive player honors, joining Lenny Cidolit (Sept. 11) and Thomas Lamaille (Oct. 3). The Johnnies' midfielder also captured the Johnnies' fourth major weekly award as Alec McLachlan also picked up BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week (Oct. 9).

The Dakar, Senegal native was crucial in helping the St. John's back line throughout Saturday's match against Villanova, using his speed to cut off prime opportunities through the middle of the field and the defensive third. Ba and the Red Storm were able to fend off seven Wildcat shot attempts and hold Villanova to one corner kick.

The Louisville transfer also provided an offensive touch as well, logging a goal and an assist while putting three of his four shots on target.

Ba and the Red Storm will return to action on Wednesday evening, taking on Seton Hall at Belson Stadium in a 7 p.m. tilt.