Photo by Eireann Photography

Metuchen, NJ — As the playoffs draw closer, week seven of UWS play did not disappoint with a series of exciting matches throughout the week. 

Jordan Brown’s exceptional performance for Santa Clarita Blue Heat, during which she made eight impressive saves, earned her Goalkeeper of the Week honors for week seven. Brown faced a formidable challenge in a fierce battle against the 2022 National Championship Runners-Up, Calgary Foothills, but emerged victorious, securing her third clean sheet of the season. 

The Defensive Player of the Week title goes to Marissa DiGenova, who played a pivotal role in Lancaster Inferno’s successful six-point week. DiGenova played both left back and center midfield throughout the week, making valuable contributions at both ends of the field with her impressive composure under pressure and ability to score, tallying three goals in two games. 

Elizabeth Worden, the forward for Santa Clarita Blue Heat, claimed the Offensive Player of the Week honors for her outstanding performance against Calgary Foothills. Worden’s hat trick not only propelled her team to a three-point victory but also showcased her tireless work rate in both creating goal-scoring opportunities and tracking back on defense. She proved to be an indispensable player in this highly anticipated game.

Goalkeeper of the Week – Jordan Brown (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

Photo by Roberto Kozek

Defensive Player of the Week – Marissa DiGenova (Lancaster Inferno)

Photo by Eireann Photography

Offensive Player of the Week – Elizabeth Worden (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

Photo by Roberto Kozek

Team of the Week

GK – Jordan Brown made two important saves for Blue Heat in the first half of her side’s matchup against Calgary Foothills. However, it was in the second half when Brown truly showcased her agility and reaction time denying Foothills with six key saves.

D – Marissa DiGenova* exemplifies versatility by consistently playing various roles to fulfill Lancaster Inferno’s needs. DiGenova tallied three goals in two games for the Inferno and played an important role in her team’s build-up play out of the back. 

D – Zoe Burns had an impactful 2023 debut for Blue Heat, coming in clutch for the side to deny Calgary Foothills many goal-scoring opportunities. Burns was a standout performer in this intense battle with her strength, endurance, and awareness.

D – Maggie Zacsko was often the driving force behind Calgary Foothill’s attack with her speed and ability to play dangerous crosses into the box. Zacsko’s relentless work ethic allowed her to fulfill both her defensive duties and create difficulties for the Blue Heat backline.

M – Jenna Lang* continued her impressive form for Indiana Union this week contributing four goals and one assist as her team cruised to a 7-0 victory over Chicago Rush. Lang’s clinical finishing and creativity on the ball made her a dominating force for her team.

M – Amber Best put out a commanding performance for Nationals SC in a thrilling mid-week match against Michigan Hawks, controlling the pace of the game from the midfield and scoring the game-winning goal. In the Nationals’ second game of the week, Best continued to demonstrate her scoring capabilities, notching a hat trick in an emphatic 12-0 win against Michigan Burn. 

F – Elizabeth Worden delivered an outstanding performance in a highly anticipated game against the 2022 National Championship Runners-Up, Calgary Foothills. Worden worked relentlessly to track back and defend and demonstrated clinical finishing ability, scoring three times in SC Blue Heat’s 3-0 win over Calgary.

F – Margaret Osmundson* continued her goal-scoring form during an intense mid-week match-up with the West Division leaders, Calgary Foothills. Osmundson’s two excellently executed goals ensured her side took home three points and put a stop to Calgary’s five-game win streak. 

F – Makala Woods* stepped up for the Cincinnati Sirens as they faced Edgewater Castle for the second time this season. Woods was one of the pivotal points in the Sirens’ attack and scored a brace in the side’s 3-0 victory. 

F – Aubrey Kulpa is one part of Sporting CT’s dynamic duo and has truly found her stride within the league, scoring seven goals in her last three appearances. Kulpa was involved in all four of Sporting’s goals in a 4-0 victory over New England Mutiny, scoring a hat trick and assisting her attacking partner for the team’s fourth.

F – Tiffany Weimer* is the second member of Sporting CT’s dynamic duo and her experience, class, and leadership skills have shone through for her team. Weimer was also involved in all four of Sporting’s goals, providing three assists and finding the back of the net for the side’s fourth goal which exemplified a team goal with the build-up starting from the goalkeeper and being worked all the way up the pitch.

*Asterisks indicate multiple appearances in Team of the Week this season.

United Women’s Soccer (UWS) is a national pro-am league founded in December 2015 on the basis of providing equality, opportunity, and respect for the women’s game. UWS has proven to be an innovative league that has paved the way for the further advancement of women’s soccer. Eighty-plus teams based in the United States and Canada comprise two distinct levels of competition: UWS and UWS League Two (UWS2).

With over 38 NWSL draftees & 100 professional contracts to its name, UWS provides high-level competition for college players, aspiring & former professionals, and international stars. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship.

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