Junior Scott Thelen of the men's soccer team has been selected as the George Mason University "Athlete of the Week."
A 5-10, 180-pound native of Oviedo, FL, and a 1995 graduate of Oviedo High School, Thelen had an excellent week as he helped lead the Patriots to two victories in three games. Thelen had a goal and an assist as George Mason lost to Richmond, 3-2 in overtime last Wednesday, then added a goal in a 5-2 victory at East Carolina Friday. He did not score in the Patriots' 1-0 victory at UNC Wilmington Sunday that lifted their overall record to 9-6-2 and their mark in the Colonial Athletic Association to 3-2-1.
Both of Thelen's goals last week came on what is becoming a specialty for him -- headers off corner kicks. He scored the tying goal with 52 seconds left in regulation against Richmond as he headed a four-yard shot inside the near post off a corner kick from the left side by senior John Shields, then he scored the first goal against East Carolina as he headed a 10-yard shot inside the far post on junior Alex Teixeira's corner kick from the right side. Thelen and Shields combined for another such goal in an early-season game at Northern Illinois to give him three goals off corner kicks this year.
After seeing limited action (nine games) as a freshman in 1995, Thelen has become one of George Mason's most consistent scoring threats over the past two seasons. As a sophomore in 1996, Thelen ranked second on the team with seven goals, seven assists and 21 points, and he has followed that performance with seven goals, six assists and 20 points this season. He currently is tied for the team lead in assists and ranks third in goals and points.
Thelen also is rapidly moving up the George Mason career scoring lists. He currently ranks tied for 14th with 14 assists, tied for 18th with 14 goals and 18th with 42 points.
"Scott is a threat to any defense when attacking down the right side," said Patriot head coach Gordon Bradley, who has a 154-79-33 overall record in his 13th season at George Mason. "He is often successful in one-on-one situations, and his bursts of speed are keys to consistently beating opponents. He has progressed to the point of being a player who should receive recognition at the conference and region levels, and I feel we're very lucky to have him coming back for another season with us."