Northwestern University's Aaron O'Reilly, a Naperville Central graduate, shoots in a game against Air Force. O'Reilly last week was named the Big Ten Conference men's soccer freshman of the week. Courtesy of Mary Grace Grabill/Northwestern Athletics

After an auspicious debut, Northwestern University freshman soccer player Aaron O’Reilly (Naperville Central) earned the Big Ten Conference’s award for men’s freshman player of the week on Aug. 26.

Earning starts in his first two games as a Wildcat, the 6-foot forward assisted on an insurance goal in Northwestern’s season-opening 2-0 win against Eastern Illinois. Three days later O’Reilly scored his first collegiate goal, which proved to be the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Air Force.

O’Reilly is Northwestern’s first Big Ten freshman of

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