IRVINE, Calif. — The Big West announced its first men's soccer weekly awards of the 2024 season on Monday, honoring UC Santa Barbara's Alexis Ledoux and Peleg Brown for their play in the Gauchos' first action of the year. Ledoux, who scored twice and assisted against Missouri State was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Brown was named Freshman of the Week for his debut performance. It is a first such award for both men.
 
Ledoux was the Man of the Match for Santa Barbara in their season-opening win over Missouri State on Thursday night, scoring the game's first and last goal with an assist in the middle. He connected with Brown's pass in the 17^th minute to open the scoring, then iced the game by pressing high and finishing his one-on-one chance against the keeper in the 90^th minute for his first multi-goal game in Blue and Gold. The two goals were the only two shots Ledoux took on the night, showcasing his ruthless efficiency in front of goal. In between those two scores, it was his pass that kept a Gaucho counterattack flowing in the 79^th minute, a move which Nicolas Willumsen finished off with what would prove to be the game-winning goal thanks to that assist from the Frenchman.
 
Setting up Ledoux's opener earned a well-deserved tally on the scoresheet for Brown after an impressive first game at left back for the Gauchos. The rookie was plenty comfortable getting forward, taking two shots, both on target, to go along with his assist. But as impressive as he was in attack, his main job is defense and he did that just as well, if not better, against the Bears. In the 73 minutes Brown was on the field, Missouri State failed to score.
 
Ledoux, Brown and the Gauchos hit the road this week for their first and longest road trip of the season, paying visits to both Kansas City and Oral Roberts this week before returning to host UNLV on Sept. 6.