SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Santa Clara men's soccer defender Naji Elder garnered West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors on Monday after helping the Broncos shutout Portland in a scoreless draw on the road.
 
Against the Pilots, Elder returned to action for the first time since the season opener and stabilized the Santa Clara back line while seeing 79 minutes of action.
 
In the two matches that the 6-foot-4 defender has played this season, the Broncos have not conceded a goal.  Against UC San Diego in the opener, SCU blanked them 1-0 while Elder played the full 90 minutes.  Elder missed the next eight games due to an injury but returned to action last Friday night versus Portland. 
 
After the Portland game, Santa Clara head coach Cam Rast talked about the team's defensive play in his post-game comments, "First, the team paid attention to the details we've been asking.  And second, Naji Elder returned to the back line.  Having him back solidified our defending shape and it was great for us and great for him." 
 
This is the first conference Player of the Week honor for Elder. 
 
The Broncos next play Saint Mary's at home on Saturday night.  Click here to purchase tickets.   

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