PHILADELPHIA – Senior defender Joaquin Niehenke of the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team was named the Ivy League's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon, the conference office announced. The honor comes following a standout week in which Niehenke contributed to a pair of shutout victories, scoring his first career goal against Drexel before adding an assist in Penn's Ivy League win over Brown.

The Quakers opened the week with a 1-0 victory over Drexel on Tuesday night at Vidas Field. Niehenke delivered the decisive moment in the 58th minute, finishing a pass from Tim Shine for his first career goal and the game-winner. The senior defender helped Penn withstand sustained pressure from the Dragons, who finished with 13 shots and nine corner kicks, as the Quakers secured the shutout.

Niehenke continued to make an impact Saturday as Penn earned a 3-0 victory over Brown at Rhodes Field. The senior assisted Adam Ambrus-Aikelin's second-half header, helping the Quakers secure their second consecutive shutout. Penn limited the Bears to four shots and two shots on goal, while goalkeeper Phillip Falcon III recorded two saves. Niehenke's goal and assist across the two victories helped the Red and Blue finish the week 2-0.

The Quakers improved to 6-2-3 overall and 2-1-1 in Ivy League play following the pair of victories. Penn returns to action Tuesday, Oct. 20, hosting Kansas City at 6 p.m. at Rhodes Field on ESPN+.

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