LONG BEACH, Calif. – Chaminade University goalkeeper
Jonah Valmonte (Poolesville, Md./Robert Morris University/Poolesville HS) on Monday was named the Pacific West Conference Men's Soccer Defender of the Week.
The senior tied his career high with 11 saves in the Silverswords' 1-1 draw at Menlo College last Thursday. Valmonte faced a slew of Oaks shots at him – 26 in all with just one goal allowed – which helped preserve the surprising tie against a Menlo squad that had won 10 matches and was battling for a top four spot in the PacWest standings at the time of the match.
He also had a save in nine shots faced on Saturday in Chaminade's win at Jessup and currently leads the conference in saves per game at 5.45.
Valmonte is the first Silversword men's soccer player to earn a weekly conference honor since
Brandon Yasue was the Defender of the Week in October 2023.
The 'Swords are 2-0-1 in their last three matches which has coincided with their ability to find the back of the net. After recording just one goal in their first nine matches, Chaminade has tallied eight during their current run.
The Silverswords (2-8-2, 2-5-2 PacWest) will end the season Thursday at instate rival University of Hawai'i Hilo and are seeking to play spoiler in the Vulcans' bid for a PacWest Tournament berth next week.
