NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Nasser Benbella is the Red River Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week in men's soccer for Aug. 19-25.
        The RRAC announced Monday the award, Benbella's first of his XULA career.
        Benbella, a 5-foot-8 forward and a sophomore from Casablanca, Morocco, scored a school-record three goals Wednesday in the Gold Rush home opener, a 6-0 victory against Florida Memorial.
        This is Benbella's first XULA season after transferring from Indian Hills (Iowa) Community College.
        Next for XULA (1-1):
        •  7 p.m. Sept. 7 at NAIA No. 10 Mobile
        •  3:30 p.m. MDT Sept. 19 at Southwest (N.M.)
        •  1:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Paul Quinn
        •  3:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at home against North American (Lafreniere Park, Metairie, La.)

XULA men's soccer — most goals in a game by an individual
3 — Nasser Benbella vs. Florida Memorial, Aug. 21, 2024
2 — Gustavo Oliveira vs. Huston-Tillotson, Oct. 22, 2023
2 — Gustavo Oliveira vs. Texas A&M-San Antonio, Oct. 14, 2023
2 — Gustavo Oliveira vs. Texas A&M-Texarkana, Sept. 30, 2023
2 — Eduardo dos Santos vs. Southwest (N.M.), Sept. 14, 2023
2 — Gustavo Oliveira vs. Southwest (N.M.), Sept. 14, 2023
2 — Leonardo Menzen vs. Spring Hill, Sept. 6, 2023

Photo of Nasser Benbella by Yamlak Tsega