Rosemont, Ill. - Fighting Illini senior Nicole Breece was chosen as Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday, Sept. 29, as announced by  the conference office. The honor comes after Breece scored the game-winning goal in double overtime against Maryland, and also assisted the game-winning goal over previously-undefeated Rutgers. 

Breece helped the Illini to two victories over the weekend, as UI upset No. 11 Rutgers and then defeated Maryland on Sunday, Sept. 27. The St. Louis, Mo., native, recorded two assists and one game-winning goal through two games as she proved to be a major offensive threat for Illinois. Breece played 192 minutes on the field over the weekend, firing seven shots and racking up four points. 

Breece was credited with the assist to Allison Stucky, whose goal handed Rutgers its first loss of the season. She also used her trademark flip throw-in to assist Katie Murray's goal against Maryland before heading in the game-winning goal late in the second overtime period. 

Illinois' second player of the week nominee this season, Breece has started in 10 games for the Illini this season. She has tallied two goals, in addition to three total assists. Her 20 shots rank third on the team, as do her eight shots on goal. 

Breece and the Illini host Ohio State on Friday in a 6 p.m. match. The game will be streamed on FIGHTINGILLINI.com, and fans can follow along on the team's Twitter page (@IlliniSoccer) for live updates.