Josh Rife Named Inaugural XSL Defensive Player of the Month

Published on January 6, 2009 under Xtreme Soccer League (XSL) News Release

CHICAGO (Jan. 6, 2009) - The Xtreme Soccer League honors the top offensive player, defensive player and goalkeeper in the league every month. December's inaugural Player of the Month selections are:

OFFENSE: Giuliano Oliviero, Milwaukee. The 35-year-old veteran sealed the award with an eight-point outburst against Chicago on Dec. 31, with a hat trick and a pair of assists. He also opened the scoring for the Wave's Dec. 20 victory at Chicago, 12-8. Oliviero has 1,010 career points, including playoffs, and leads the XSL with 10 points through the first month.

DEFENSE: Josh Rife, Detroit: Rife performed admirably on both ends for the Ignition, with eight blocks, two 2-point goals and an assist in three contests. Rife donned the sixth attacker jersey in the Ignition's first victory, when they tied New Jersey with :06 remaining then won in overtime, 16-14.

GOALKEEPER: Marcel Feenstra, Milwaukee: The rangy Dutchman won all three of his starts after Nick Vorberg suffered a calf injury during preseason, pushing his career indoor mark to 8-0. Feenstra posted a .775 save percentage and a 7.33 points against average, both tops in the league, and turned away a penalty kick by Chicago's Stephen Armstrong in the Wave's 14-10 victory on New Year's Eve.

Xtreme Soccer League Stories from January 6, 2009

• Josh Rife Named Inaugural XSL Defensive Player of the Month - XSL
• XSL Players of the Month - Milwaukee Wave

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