Tuesday turned out to be Willy Roy Jr.‘s day to make headlines even if the NIU soccer standout didn’t play a match.

First came the news that the Huskie senior not only leads the Midwest region in scoring, but also ranks fourth nationally with 46 points (14 goals/18 assists). Then came word that he was tabbed as the Mid-Continent conference Player of the Week after leading NIU to the league crown in the school’s debut season.

“There’s no question Willy has had an outstanding season and he deserves every accolade he has received. He earns those awards and respect with his play on the field. In the (Wisconsin-) Green Bay match, he made the big play just like he’s done throughout his career,” NIU coach Willy Roy Sr. noted.

The Huskies clinched their second consecutive conference title last Sunday when the senior All-America candidate blasted home a 23-yard shot off an indirect free kick with just 51 seconds remaining in the match for a 2-1 win over the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. After NIU had fallen behind 1-0 at the 60:03 mark, the match was tied just 47 seconds later when Roy Jr. assisted on a five-yard tap-in goal by Tony Adolfs.

Within his 46 points, the 18 assists are best in the Midwest and share the lead for that category nationally. The point total leads the Midwest and the Mid-Continent as well.