It was a clean sweep for Emory University soccer—literally and figuratively. Sophia Garcia and Geoffrey Halpern, goalkeepers for the No. 2 ranked women’s and No. 4 ranked men’s teams, were both named University Athletic Association Defensive Athletes of the Week, following a pair of 1-0 shutout victories over Case Western Reserve on Saturday, November 1.
The weekly awards were announced Monday afternoon by the UAA conference office, marking a rare double honor for the Emory soccer program as both teams prepare for postseason play.
Sophia Garcia: Lockdown in Cleveland
Garcia was brilliant in net for the Emory women’s team, recording a season-high six saves in the road win over No. 5 Case Western Reserve. Four of those stops came in the second half as the Spartans pressed for an equalizer, but Garcia stood tall to earn her ninth solo shutout of the season.
This is Garcia’s third UAA Defensive Player of the Week award in 2025 and the fifth of her Emory career.
Geoffrey Halpern: Fifth Clean Sheet, First Honor
On the men’s side, junior goalkeeper Geoffrey Halpern notched his fifth shutout of the season, making three saves in a crucial 1-0 win that lifted Emory to its second UAA victory of 2025.
The performance earned Halpern his first-ever UAA weekly award and helped Emory maintain its No. 4 national ranking heading into the regular season finale.
Next Up: Regular Season Finale at Rochester
Both teams will wrap up the regular season on the road in Rochester, New York, facing University of Rochester this Saturday. With postseason seeding on the line, strong showings from Garcia and Halpern will be key to continuing their momentum.
Matchday: Saturday, Nov. 9
Opponent: University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, NY
Want to follow Emory’s postseason journey?
Stay updated with @AtlantaSoccerNews for match results, rankings, and NCAA tournament coverage for both teams.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.