SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer defender Damon Smith has been named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Defensive Player of the Week following a pair of victories that extended the Otters' winning streak to five consecutive matches.
 
Smith played an instrumental role in Monterey Bay's perfect 2-0 week, highlighted by a statement 2-1 road victory over No. 9 Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday. The victory marked CSUMB's second result against a nationally ranked top-10 opponent this season, following a scoreless draw against then-No. 1 Cal State LA earlier in the campaign.
 
Against the nationally ranked Coyotes, Smith made his presence felt on both ends of the field, opening the scoring in the 22nd minute with his first goal of the season. His early strike set the tone for a dominant first-half performance, as the Otters built a 2-0 advantage while holding Cal State San Bernardino without a single shot through the opening 45 minutes.
 
Smith played all 90 minutes, helping anchor a defensive unit that limited the Coyotes to eight total shots and just three on goal. Despite San Bernardino cutting the deficit to one in the second half, Smith and the Otter back line held firm to secure one of the team's biggest victories of the season.
 
Earlier in the week, Monterey Bay earned a thrilling 2-1 victory over Fresno Pacific, with Olof Larsson delivering the game-winner in the 87th minute.
 
The two victories extended CSUMB's winning streak to five consecutive matches and its unbeaten streak to six (5-0-1), continuing an impressive stretch in which the Otters have outscored their opponents 15-5.
 
Smith's recognition highlights a Monterey Bay defensive unit that has played a pivotal role in the team's recent success, including three consecutive shutouts during its unbeaten run.
With the victories, CSUMB improved to 9-2-3 overall, continuing to build momentum as the CCAA regular season enters its final stretch.
 
The weekly honor recognizes Smith's defensive consistency, leadership and timely offensive contribution in helping the Otters secure a nationally significant road victory.
 
The Otters return to Cardinale Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 22, to host Cal Poly Humboldt