Complete America East Release

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Hartford men's soccer freshman Javoni Simms continues to impress during his debut season with the Hawks. After scoring two goals in as many games this past weekend to help the Hawks go 1-1 in Philadelphia, he was named the America East Rookie of the Week on Sept. 10. The award, which was announced on Monday afternoon, is the first for a Hartford men's soccer player this season.

Simms, who entered the weekend with two goals, got his streak going in Friday's night match against Villanova. After tracking down a rebound on a shot by teammate Omar Tall, Simms gathered the ball and reached the lower right corner of the net to provide the Hawks with a 1-0, first half advantage over the Wildcats. Villanova would go on to net two goals of its own in the second half, however, to come out with a 2-1 victory.

On Sunday, Simms netted the Hawks' second goal in a 2-1 defeat of the Penn Quakers in Philadelphia. After 70 minutes of scoreless soccer, sophomore Damion Lowe got Hartford on the scoreboard and Simms followed suit 13 minutes later, doubling his team's lead to 2-0 after putting the finishing touches on a corner kick in the 83rd minute. His marker proved to be the game-winner as the Quakers netted a late goal in the final seconds of regulation.

With starts in all six games this season, Simms leads the Hawks in goals (4) and points (8) and is currently ranked second among America East leaders in both categories.

Simms and the Hawks resume action on Wednesday when they host the Massachusetts Minutemen at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the mid-week match are still available by calling 860.768.HAWK or by visiting the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Ticket Office. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the outdoors box office located at the main entrance of Alumni Stadium.