Valparaiso senior Charles Barden (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Linn-Mar) has been selected as the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 28 – Nov. 3.

In the Crusaders’ lone match of the week, Barden logged 80 minutes and scored the game-winning goal in the 87^th minute. Barden’s goal not only gave the Crusaders their first league win of the season, it also kept the Crusaders’ postseason hopes alive.

With less than three minutes remaining in the match against Cleveland State on Saturday, Barden was brought down in the penalty area by a Viking defender. The Crusaders’ captain then coolly stepped to the spot and converted his penalty to give the Crusaders a well-deserved victory.

With the goal, Barden now leads the Crusaders in total points with ten, and goals scored with four.

Barden and the Crusaders have two regular season games remaining this season. Tonight, the Crusaders are in Ann Arbor, Mich. to take on #20 Michigan. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 6 p.m. Valpo then has a week to prepare for its regular season finale with Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 9^th.