Sept. 17, 2012

CLEVELAND, Ohio - After tallying her fourth game-winning goal of the season and an assist in Northern Illinois' 4-1 victory over South Dakota, Cori Frankenberg was named the Mid-American Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. She is the first NIU player since Amy Carr on Oct. 26, 2010 to receive the honor.

The Appleton, Wis. native struck gold in the 11th minute of play, receiving a rolling pass from Lauren Noonan on the wing. She took two touches to work into the 18-yard box and curled the ball off the inside of the near post for her fourth goal of the season. 70 minutes later, she earned an assist along with teammate Allie McBride, on freshman Kate Wirthlin's first goal in her young Northern Illinois career.

The victory over USD clinched NIU's first winning record in non-conference play (4-3) since 2008. It was the second time this season Frankenberg had registered a goal and an assist in a match, last doing so Sept. 2, 2012 versus Loyola.

She entered the weekend ranked seventh in Division I women's soccer in game-winning goals with three through six matches. Frankenberg has scored all of NIU's golden goals in 2012.

Northern Illinois returns to the pitch Friday at 4 p.m. for its Mid-American Conference opener, hosting Eastern Michigan at NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

Admission and parking to all home matches is free to students and the public.