Junior Marcello Castro scored his team-leading fifth goal of the season in a 2-0 victory over first-place Central Connecticut State after playing near-flawless defense in a 1-1 tie against Yale to earn this week’s adidas/NEC Player of the Week honor. The 2010 NEC Defensive Player of the Year started the week by helping his defensive unit hold the second-ranked team in the Ivy League to a single goal on 14 shots, nine of which landed on goal. He then showed off his offensive skills, netting the game-winner against CCSU on a free kick from 30 yards out in the 39th minute. Thanks to his play over the week, the Pioneers pushed their unbeaten streak to six games (3-0-3) and kept pace for a spot in the 2011 NEC Playoffs.