Sept. 8, 2009

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Duke junior midfielder Cole Grossman was named Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Soccer Player of the Week after leading his Blue Devils to an unbeaten 3-0-0 start to the 2009 season. For his season-opening efforts, which included three goals and two assists, Grossman was also named TopDrawer Soccer’s National Player of the Week and earned a spot on the Duke/Nike Classic All-Tournament team.

The native of St. Louis, Mo., posted eight points in three games for the Blue Devils. Two of his three goals proved to be game-winning goals, while he also provided an assist on the third game-winner against Columbia. Grossman’s eight points is nearly 75 percent of his point total from the entire 2008 season (12).

Grossman kicked off the 2009 season by tallying both goals in Duke's 2-0 win over James Madison, and then he followed that performance with a one goal-two assist showing in wins over Columbia and Denver to earn Duke/Nike Classic All-Tournament team honors.

Duke next opens its challenging ACC schedule on Sept. 11 at Virginia. The Blue Devils and Cavaliers kick off at 8 p.m., in Charlottesville.