METUCHEN, NJ - The finalists for FIFA's Female Player of the Year were announced today and United Women's Soccer (UWS) Player of the Year Deyna Castellanos (Santa Clarita Blue Heat) is among the top three finalists joining Carli Lloyd (Manchester City/Houston Dash) and Lieke Martens (Barcelona) for the honor that will be chosen on October 23, 2017 in London, England.

The Venezuelan phenom took the pitch for the Santa Clarita Blue Heat this summer, starting in nine matches overall while tallying six goals and two assists for the UWS National Finalists. The finalist on the men's side are Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Neymar (Paris Saint Germain).

Castellanos' goal as a member of the Venezuelan National Team, an extraordinary effort from the halfway line against Cameroon, is also a finalist for FIFA Goal of the Year. The other nominees are Oliver Giroud's perfectly executed "scorpion kick" for Arsenal against Crystal Palace and GK Oscarine Masaluke's last-minute bicycle kick for Baroka FC to equalize against the Orlando Pirates.

"Deyna Castellanos is an amazing player," said Santa Clarita Blue Heat owner and technical director Carlos Marroquin. "In almost all of our wins, she was the one to score or set up the goal to win the game. I am proud to coach her and she deserves this award."

The three finalists were the top number of votes as determined by selected, fans, national team coaches and captains.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.