EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The race for the East Conference title in United Women’s Soccer (UWS) was not as dramatic as the one out West this season, but it still managed to crown an up-and-coming first year organization this past weekend. With their dominant win over the New York Magic (0-7-1) on Saturday, New Jersey Copa F.C. (7-1-1) won the East title and will travel to face the West Conference champion on the weekend of July 30-31. It hasn’t been a season to remember for a long-time successful side like the New England Mutiny (5-3), but after allowing an early goal against the Long Island Rough Riders (3-3-2), the defense held firm to allow the offense to win the match in the 90th minute.

On Saturday against New York, NJCFC forward Krystyna Freda continued her assault on the individual scoring table of the national pro-am league with her four-goal, assist performance and has been named the UWS East Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Freda scored the second, fourth, fifth and seventh goals for NJCFC in the 7-2 win over the Magic and now stands alone at the top of the UWS scoring race with 13 goals (28 points). She has continued her strong run of form this year for Copa, as she scored an impressive 10 times in 14 games for Merilappi United of the fully-professional Naisten Liga in Finland.

If anything could go wrong this season for the New England Mutiny, it has as the western Massachusetts side has bemoaned the bad luck that has followed them like a sad melody; especially in defense. But the play of defender Jennifer Cafferky since joining the team in mid-June has been a revelation, and her strong play against Long Island in Saturday’s 2-1 win has garnered her UWS East Defensive Player of the Week honors. After her team allowed an early goal off another set piece, Cafferky was a strong force in defense, denying the Rough Riders attack in 1v1 situations in dangerous areas of the pitch. The two-time reigning Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year has already made a name for herself at this level of pro-am soccer.

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.