EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - As we approach the midway point of the 2016 season in United Women’s Soccer (UWS), the drama has certainly picked up and there was plenty of it in the West Conference this past weekend. Despite some up-and-down showings so far this year, the Houston Aces (2-3) are now tied for the top spot in the UWS West after their 1-0 win over the Colorado Pride (2-1) on Sunday. And this after they lost to the Colorado Storm (1-2-1) by a 2-1 score on Friday.

On Saturday, Real Salt Lake Women (1-1-1) hosted the Santa Clarita Blue Heat (1-0-2) and with thanks to clutch goalkeeping, kept themselves in the game and tied it in stoppage time for a big 1-1 draw. For her presence in goal for RSL, keeper Rebecca Ritchie has been named the West Conference Defensive Player of the Week. For her overall play which included scoring the game-winner against the Pride, Houston’s Tatiana Ariza is the West Co-Offensive Player of the Week alongside the Storm’s Olivia Blaber, who scored a goal and assist in the Storm’s first win of the season.

Rain & lightning was an issue in all three UWS West games last weekend, and Ritchie had to weather a strong Blue Heat attack to keep her team in the match. Santa Clarita had their share of chances in the first half, using good passing through the midfield to open up two great shots for their forwards which were saved by the former Big Sky Conference Defensive MVP, who would end the game with seven saves. The Blue Heat out-shot the Real Women by a 15-5 margin in the match, and her heroics kept the game within reach so her teammates could salvage the positive result.

Houston is known for their defensive system, but it was the offensive skills of Ariza that got her team the win over the Pride. The Aces appeared to take the long weather delay due to lightning in stride, and that’s what the Colombian international did in the 29th minute when she drilled her shot into the side netting from 25 yards out for the eventual game-winning goal. The Storm switched tactics early in the match against Houston on Friday, and the pace of Blaber made an immediate impact for Head Coach Brian Haynes’ team. She assisted on the first goal and scored the game-winner in the 81st minute.

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.

UWS is managed by EDP, a leading soccer management company that runs a number of leagues and tournaments.  In addition to UWS, EDP operates youth leagues that includes an NPL league, the EDP Super Club program, the EDP Premier League and the EDP Championship League. EDP also runs EDP Futures programs for U-7’s to U-12’s and it conducts more than 20 youth tournaments, including tournaments within its EDP Cup Series and EDP Showcase Series.

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