CLEVELAND, Ohio – Sophomore Thomas M'Barek of the Cleveland State University men's soccer team was named the Nike Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week in a League release Monday afternoon.

It is the second such career honor for M'Barek as he also claimed the award during his rookie campaign.

M'Barek was a key factor in helping Cleveland State earn a shutout victory at Big Ten foe Ohio State this past week.

M'Barek started in central defense and played all 90 minutes in helping limit the Buckeyes to a single shot on goal. It was the first win for CSU against OSU since 1996, which also marked the last time the Vikings shut out their in-state opponent. M'Barek also played the entire first half of the team's midweek match at Duquesne, holding the Dukes scoreless, before the match could not be continued due to the weather in the area.

Counting the Duquesne match, the Vikings have allowed one goal in the past 270 minutes they have played. M'Barek has started all nine matches this season and has played a team-high 775 minutes on the year.

This is the second straight week in which a Viking was honored by the League office as junior Vlad Jandric received weekly offensive honors from the League Oct. 1. It is the fourth consecutive campaign in which at least one Viking has earned Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Cleveland State will be right back in action Monday night as it concludes a three-game roadswing at Pittsburgh.