North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Players of the Week
Defender: Mayu Nakano, Waldwick, Sr.
Nakano has been absolutely stellar on the backline for Waldwick to open this season. With the offense struggling through Waldwick’s first two games, Nakano’s presence on the backline was calming for the Spartans as it allowed just two goals. She tallied an assist as well in a 1-1 tie in the season opener against a tough Glen Rock squad. The offense has since gotten rolling in the last two games with 10 goals, but Nakano has still stabilized the defense with just one goal over that span. She’s also scored three goals and three assists in the last two games, and has moved up the defensive midfielder position in spots as well.
Goalkeeper: Zoe Dinnerstein, North Arlington, Fr.
Dinnerstein’s freshman season is off to a great start as North Arlington is 4-0 and she’s surrendered just three goals. She’s been busy in each game as well and has made no fewer than five saves in any of them. She made 12 saves in a 2-1 win over Bergen Tech last Friday, and on Monday picked up her first career shutout with seven saves in a 5-0 win. All in all through four games she’s made 30 saves.
By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com and Donovan Hugel | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
