EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Its the time of the season where on one hand, the cream starts to rise to the top while on the other hand, teams who are out of the playoff race have their mettle tested and look to finish their season on a high note. This past weekend in the East Conference of United Women’s Soccer (UWS), New Jersey Copa F.C. took one more step towards attaining the conference crown in their first-ever season while the Lancaster Inferno stopped their three-game losing streak in impressive fashion.

Copa (6-1-1) hosted the New England Mutiny (4-3), and showed their burgeoning class via a 2-1 come-from-behind victory to put them in pole position in the East with thanks to Jeanine Nunez’ game-winning goal. Lancaster (3-4) has proven to be a resolute, defense-first opponent this season and finally got back in the win column with a 4-1 verdict over the New York Magic (0-4-1). For their efforts this past weekend, Nunez has been named the East Offensive Player of the Week while the Inferno’s Alexandra Plantive is the East Defensive Player of the Week.

While her teammate Krystyna Freda has been getting all the headlines, Nunez has been quietly going about her business in attack for the East leaders. Up until the last two games, that is. The Adelphi University star has notched the game-winning goals in victories over Lancaster and New England which have put NJCFC one win away from clinching the East title and automatic berth into the UWS National Final (July 30-31). With her game-winner over the Mutiny, Nunez is now in third place in scoring for all of UWS with 11 points (five goals, one assist).

Lancaster went the international route to bolster their defense in their inaugural UWS campaign, and Plantive is one of their defenders who has extensive experience. The former U-20 France international has been a defensive stalwart all season for Head Coach Francisco Cleaves, being one of the leaders on the team in minutes played. Her strong season for the Inferno culminated in a standout performance against New York, leading the backline in the win.

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.