November 14, 2011
SOCCERSAVINGS.COM SALUTE (M)
Bennett nets dramatic game-winner

Jack Bennett scored his fifth game-winning goal of the season for St. John's. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

St. John's midfielder Jack Bennett, who scored the game-winning golden goal in extratime in the Big East championship game on Sunday, was named the SoccerSavings.com/BigAppleSoccer.com men's college soccer player of the week on Monday.

Named the Most Outstanding offensive player of the game, Bennett was honored for the week ending on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Bennett connected for his fifth game-winning goal of the season six minutes into extratime in the 1-0 victory over the University of Connecticut at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

Connecticut worked the ball back to Big East defensive player of the year Andrew Jean Baptiste. As Baptiste attempted a pass upfield, Bennett stepped in and won a deflection 35 yards out. Bennett dribbled quickly in towards goal and beat goalkeeper Andre Blake from 12 yards with a shot inside the right post to give St. John’s the title.

“I saw him take a quite heavy touch and I don’t think he was anticipating me to close him down so quick, so I just took my chance and I won the ball," Bennett said. "I was heading for that goal and thankfully I scored."

Bennett has five game-winning goals for St. John's, which qualified for the NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament.