METUCHEN, NJ - Action around the country picked up steam during Week II play in United Women's Soccer (UWS) as the Southwest & West Conference kicked off their season.

For her leadership in the backline, LA Galaxy OC's Natalie Jacobs has been named the UWS Defensive Player of the Week. Jacobs also scored a goal in their 4-0 shutout against rival Santa Clarita Blue Heat. On the other side of the country, NE Mutiny's Kate Howarth has been named UWS Offensive Player of the Week for her outstanding play & hat-trick in their 4-1 win over the Long Island Rough Riders. That puts Howarth at an impressive 54 career goals for New England.

UWS TEAM OF THE WEEK (WEEK II)

GK Hillary Beall (LA Galaxy) clean sheet in early season statement game

D Madeline Beaulieu (Syracuse DA) solid center back play in first-ever match for new franchise

D Sydney Cummings (NJ Copa) strong defending in two matches this week for 1-1 NJ

D Natalie Jacobs (LA Galaxy) anchored defense in shutout & scored one goal against perennial league power

M Tatiana Ariza (Houston Aces) 3 goals from the #10 begins 2019 for defending National Champions

M Lily Fabian (CT Fusion) game-winning in 1-0 victory vs. defending East conference champions

M Suzuho Yamasaki (AFC Ann Arbor) midfield dominance in club’s first win in UWS

F Camryn Evans (Lansing United) game-winner for Lansing; also added an assist in 3-2 win vs Sun

F Kate Howarth (NE Mutiny) hat-trick in matchup of the two oldest women’s soccer franchises in the U.S.

F Cassidy Lindley (Indiana Union) 2 goals and 1 assist in dominating effort from revamped squad

HONORABLE MENTION

D Genessee Daugehtee (LA Galaxy) key player on Galaxy's backline

M Chloe Castaneda (Santa Clarita Blue Heat) UCLA star patrolling midfield for 3rd consecutive season with club

M Kimberly Marra (Long Island Rough Riders) continues to be LIRR’s top player in two matches this week

M Tesa McKibben (Lancaster Inferno) veteran midfelder continues to be major contributor for Inferno

F Claire Myers (Rochester Lancers) caused consistent issues for opponent in 1-1 draw

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Natalie Jacobs (LA Galaxy)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Kate Howarth (NE Mutiny)