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UWS East Conference Players of the Week

06/14/2016, 12:30pm EDT
By Admin

Freda lights Copa attack on fire; Bates & Depken defensive stars

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - In UWS East action this past Saturday, the unstoppable force that is the New Jersey Copa F.C. (4-1-1) attack met the immovable object that was the Lancaster Inferno (2-2) defense last Saturday with the former dislodging the latter in impressive fashion. On the other side of the East Conference spectrum, two former W-League teams looked for their first victory of the season on Saturday as well.

Copa’s attack was led once again by Krystyna Freda, who scored a hat-trick against what was considered a very tough Inferno defense. Lancaster had shut-out the New England Mutiny (3-1) and Long Island Rough Riders (1-2-1) on the road the weekend before, but Freda single-handedly ruined their return home to Millersville University’s Pucillo Field. The New York Magic (0-2-1) would not get the win in their match-up with the TSF Academy Valkyries (0-2-1), but the play of their goalkeeper Samantha Depken was instrumental in them getting the 1-1 draw and their first point of the season.

With that said, we have named Krystyna Freda as the UWS East Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Her teammate Nicole Bates shares Defensive Player of the Week honors with Depken, who now leads UWS in saves with 25 on the season.

Freda assisted on the eventual game-winning goal by Jeanine Nunez in the 2nd minute of play and would go on to score the next three goals for NJCFC in the 28th, 39th and 58th minutes of the match. Her three goals and assist in the 5-0 win over Lancaster now puts her at the top of the scoring ledger for UWS (eight goals, one assist). Copa leads the UWS in scoring with 17 goals.

Bates has helped shut out multiple opponents this year as a center back for NJCFC, while also being at the top of minutes played. The Fordham University standout’s size, athleticism and foot work have been a big part of three straight shutouts. Depken has been the star performer for the Magic this season. In the match vs. the Valkyries, the score would stay at 1-1 going into halftime with thanks to their veteran goalkeeper and her two back-to back saves to keep New York in the game. She made six saves overall in the draw.

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.

Tag(s): News |   New Jersey Copa FC  New York Magic