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Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Sheffield named MVC Offensive Player of the Week

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor
October 8, 2025
Totus Tuus Keely
NIU men’s soccer freshman forward Vance Sheffield drives the ball down the field during NIU’s match against Governors State University on Sept. 21. Sheffield was named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week after recording a goal and an assist against Bradley University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

After his performance in NIU men’s soccer’s comeback win against Bradley University on Saturday, freshman forward Vance Sheffield has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the conference announced on Tuesday. 

Sheffield assisted sophomore midfielder Martin Montoya’s 87th-minute goal that leveled the score for NIU, before scoring the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute. 

Sheffield leads the Huskies with 5 goals on the season, while also being tied for fourth in goals by a freshman across the country. 

NIU men’s soccer returns to action at 11 a.m. Saturday against the Western Michigan University Broncos. The match will be streamed on YouTube and live stats will be available on StatBroadcast.

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About the Contributors
Kalin Schaefer
Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor
Kalin Schaefer is a junior at NIU majoring in elementary education with a minor in dance performance. She currently covers NIU men’s soccer, baseball and women’s tennis teams. Kalin joined the Northern Star in September 2023 as a sports reporter. In her limited free time, she loves watching any and all sports, spending time with her family, family and dogs, traveling and taking naps.
Totus Tuus Keely
Totus Tuus Keely, Assistant Photo Editor
Totus Tuus Keely is a junior mechatronics engineering major at NIU. He began as a photographer in the spring 2024 semester. Outside of his busy class schedule, he enjoys photographing sports and capturing the emotions of fans and players. He was able to travel and photograph the historic football win against No. 5 Notre Dame in 2024. Along with photography, he enjoys performing in the World Music Program and the NIU Pep Band, as well as constantly expanding his musical taste.
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