BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LIU Brooklyn men's soccer freshman Michael Gianino has been named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week, it was announced by the league office Tuesday afternoon. It's the first weekly honor for the Staten Island native, and the third for the Blackbirds this fall.

Gianino scored the tying goal in the 34th minute of LIU Brooklyn's 2-1 win over Atlantic 10 opponent La Salle on Saturday. The freshman displayed some fancy footwork to catch the goalkeeper off-guard before finding the back of the net. Gianino is tied for third on LIU with two goals and leads all Blackbird freshmen with four points.

Earlier in September, sophomore Fredrik Mathisen and freshman Sam Ilin were named the NEC Player and Rookie of the Week.

The Blackbirds are taking on NJIT Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m., before opening NEC play at St. Francis Brooklyn this Sunday, September 30.