BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team took two of the Northeast Conference's major awards this week, as junior Naeem Charles was named the NEC Men's Soccer Player of the Week, and freshman Giuseppe Barone was named NEC Co-Rookie of the Week. It is the third honor for Barone this year, while Charles earns his first weekly award.

Charles was in top form on Friday with two goals on two shots in LIU Brooklyn's 5-0 win over Sacred Heart. The junior scored his first marker with one second remaining in the first half on a chip over the keeper to give LIU a 3-0 lead heading into the break. Charles added one more goal in the 66th minute, tipping the ball past SHU's netminder for a 4-0 lead. Charles leads the NEC in goals (nine), ranks second in points (23) and fourth in assists (five). He also ranks inside the top-20 nationally in goals and points.

Barone earns his third NEC Rookie of the Week honor after scoring a goal and adding a pair of assists in LIU Brooklyn's 5-0 win over Sacred Heart on Friday. The Brooklyn native assisted on both of NEC Player of the Week Naeem Charles' goals and capped it off by scoring LIU fifth goal of the day in the 73rd minute. The freshman currently ranks third in the NEC with six assists, and his 12 points is the sixth-best mark on the circuit.

Up next, the Blackbirds host Fairleigh Dickinson for the final home game of the regular season, Friday, October 29 at 5 p.m.

2016 LIU Brooklyn Men's Soccer NEC Award Winners
Aug. 29 - Giuseppe Barone, NEC Rookie of the Week
Sept. 12 - Marius Koss, NEC Rookie of the Week
Sept. 19 - Simen Hestnes, NEC Player of the Week
Oct. 3 - Romario Guscott, NEC Player of the Week & Giuseppe Barone, NEC Rookie of the Week
Oct. 24 - Naeem Charles, NEC Player of the Week & Giuseppe Barone, NEC Rookie of the Week