Metuchen, NJ — Week eight of UWS play lived up to expectations as the postseason draws closer. Several players stepped up for their teams with big performances, either securing their playoff spots or keeping their teams in contention.

Nicole D’Agostino was awarded Goalkeeper of the Week honors for her exceptional, composed performance for Edgewater Castle. D’Agostino was challenged throughout the 90 minutes by Chicago Rush but came up with six big saves to earn her first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win.

Olivia Shertzer, the Lancaster Inferno outside back, secured Defensive Player of the Week with a standout display for her team in their 2-1 victory over BC United. Shertzer showcased both defensive and attacking brilliance throughout the 90 minutes of play, effectively shutting down her opponents while contributing to her team’s offense, and even tallied an assist for the Inferno’s opening goal.

FC Buffalo’s Sarah Woods earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after delivering two assists in the “Erie County derby”. Woods impressed with her outstanding 1-v-1 skills, creativity, and ability to connect, constantly posing a threat on the left flank.

Goalkeeper of the Week – Nicole D’Agostino (Edgewater Castle)

Photo by Miles Whitworth

Defensive Player of the Week – Olivia Shertzer (Lancaster Inferno)

Photo by Eireann Photography

Offensive Player of the Week – Sarah Woods (FC Buffalo)

Photo by Ryan Bartholomew

Team of the Week

GK – Nicole D’Agostino led Edgewater Castle to a 2-0 victory over Chicago Rush with effective communication and six impressive saves.

D – Olivia Shertzer played an important role to ensure Lancaster Inferno earned three points. Shertzer’s impressive endurance allowed her to not only fulfill her defensive responsibilities but consistently join the attack.

D – MacKenzie Dollison dominated the defense for Futsal Factory, winning the majority of her 1-v-1 and aerial battles in their 3-0 win against Michigan Burn.

D – Caitlin Byars was a key member of the Cincinnati Sirens’ backline that earned their sixth clean sheet of the year in a top-of-the-table clash against Indiana Union. Byars encouraged her team to press and also contributed an assist in the side’s 7-0 win.

M – Sarah Woods excelled on the left wing for FC Buffalo, displaying impressive technical ability to beat players and create scoring opportunities in their 4-1 victory against Erie Commodores.

M – Kendall Bodak stood out for New England Mutiny, providing two excellent assists in their 3-0 win over Worcester Fuel.

M – Isabella Agrusso made a significant impact for Nationals SC, scoring two crucial goals in their 3-1 victory against the Michigan Stars, helping her team maintain their position atop the Great Lakes Division.

M – Sage Shuryan showcased her goal-scoring abilities with a brace for Los Angeles SC during their commanding 5-0 win against the Reno Vikings.

F – Mackenzie Tucker demonstrated her attacking prowess for the Cincinnati Sirens by both scoring a goal and providing an assist during her team’s seven-goal victory.

F – Marcy Barberic* played a key part in ensuring FC Buffalo’s triumph in the “Erie Derby.” Barbaric’s speed and technical ability allowed her to find pockets of space in the Commodores’ defense, resulting in two goals and one assist during her side’s 4-1 win.

F – Christina Murillo was a difference-maker for Edgewater Castle, utilizing her athleticism and vision to contribute an assist and a goal during her team’s 2-0 win against Chicago Rush.

*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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