BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LIU Brooklyn men's soccer freshman Rasmus Hansen has been recognized by the Northeast Conference office for his outstanding play during the team's opening weekend. The Greve, Denmark native has been named the NEC Rookie of the Week, the league announced Tuesday. 

Hansen notched two goals and an assist over his first two games with the Blackbirds, including a goal and an assist in a 3-1 season-opening win over Presbyterian on Friday. The forward/midfielder assisted on the first goal of the match in the 47th minute, then scored his own goal less than eight minutes later as he intercepted a pass from a defender and flicked a shot past the goalkeeper. On Sunday, the Dane also put LIU ahead in the 23rd minute against UNC Asheville, before a red card doomed the Blackbirds in a 2-1 loss to the Bulldogs.

Up next, the Blackbirds will host the First Annual Astroturf Brooklyn Bridge Cup this weekend at LIU Field, in conjunction with St. Francis Brooklyn. The home opener will be Friday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. against St. Bonaventure, followed by a match against UMass Lowell on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.