KANSAS CITY, MO–Goncalo Franco has been selected United Soccer Coaches Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Week the organization announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Franco, the Highlanders co-captain, earned America East Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday, scoring a brace in NJIT's home-opening victory over Big East opponent Villanova on Thursday, August 31.

The Wildcats opened the game with a goal 12 seconds into the contest, but Franco quickly answered with two goals of his own to put the Highlanders back in front. 

Franco's first goal was unassisted in the sixth minute and his second was assisted by Enrique Mutsoli and Maximus Barboto in the 33rd minute. 

Andrea Campoli added a goal late in the first half to put the Highlanders up 3-1, before Ramchwy St. Vil's goal in the 57th minute made the score 4-1. 

NJIT will host five consecutive matches at home in Newark.  

The five-match home stretch begins on September 8 vs. Rider, September 12 vs. La Salle, September 16 vs. Sacred Heart, September 19 vs. Iona and September 23 vs. UMass Lowell, the first America East Conference match of the season.