Cleveland, Ohio – Freshman Sebastian Kalk of the Cleveland State University men's soccer team was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the League office Monday afternoon.

Kalk's weekly honor is the first for a Viking freshman, from any position, since 2007.

Kalk played a key role in CSU posting a 2-0 victory over Oakland this past weekend. The rookie made 10 saves, tying his season high and notching his highest such figure in a regulation match this year. Kalk and the CSU defense posted a shutout for the fourth time in their past five matches.

In the 56th minute against the Golden Grizzlies with the game still scoreless, Kalk made a key stop. Oakland had a 2-on-1 break, but Kalk was able to make a great save sliding across the goal line. In the 81st minute with the Vikings clinging to a 1-0 edge, Kalk came up huge after Oakland lined up a free kick in its offensive half. The Golden Grizzlies got a shot directly off the free kick that Kalk stopped, but the rookie was then able to also fantastically snatch a rebound attempt by diving to his left.

Kalk currently sports League-leading marks in both goals against average (0.86) and save percentage (.847). His save percentage ranks eighth in Division I and is second among only freshmen players.

Cleveland State plays its regular-season finale this Friday, Nov. 4, at Milwaukee, as the Vikings look to clinch a playoff spot, which they will do with a win or a tie.