Minnesota sophomore forward Simone Kolander was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week Monday, Aug. 25, by the Big Ten. 

Kolander, a Lakeville, Minn., native, scored nine points in the Gophers' first two games of the season, with two goals and four assists. The Gophers defeated Stetson 10-0 in their first game of the season and then lost to No. 2 Florida State 4-1 on the road.

Kolander scored two goals and collected four assists in Minnesota's win against Stetson and then recorded an assist on the Gophers' only goal in the loss to Florida State.

Kolander played in all 20 games during her freshman season but had yet to win a Big Ten Award. The last Gophers soccer player to win the Offensive Player of the Week award was senior captain Katie Thyken on Oct. 28, 2013.

The Gophers play their first home match of the season against No. 15 Marquette at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29th. The match will begin at 7 p.m.