GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern Men's Soccer junior Cooper Pero dominated the weekend, earning his first SAA Defensive Player of the Week. Pero played a massive role in the undefeated SAA weekend with 1-0 wins at both Berry College and Oglethorpe University. The Pirates team defense and depth has continued to be a pivotal strength as Pero becomes the third different player to win DPOTW, joining seniors Raghv Sharma and Scott Johnson. 

The junior defender was the best player on the pitch on Friday, securing another shutout on the back line and scoring a legendary 85th minute header to seal the first ever SAA victory. The goal was a breakthrough against a strong Berry squad, earning three points in the standings instead of 1. 

On Saturday, Pero helped the Pirates earn an eighth shutout of the season in 12 matches. He played 80 minutes and two shots, helping break down the Petrels defense as the squad found the net in the 81st minute. Pero and the Pirates defense leads the SAA in goals allowed with four, giving up 0.33 per match. They also rank top five in the NCAA in goals allowed.