METUCHEN, NJ - The final weekend of the regular season in United Women’s Soccer (UWS) witnessed one of the lighter schedules of the 2017 campaign, yet, there were the Midwest Conference playoffs and the second spot in the East Conference Final to rely on for dramatic effect. Grand Rapids FC won the Midwest Final in a dramatic contest against Detroit while Long Island were victorious in both of their weekend games to grab the second spot in today’s East Final vs. regular season conference champion New Jersey. Houston completed their 2017 slate in strong fashion at home, pushing West Conference champion Santa Clarita in a 4-3 loss while defeating So Cal Crush FC to finish the season with a win.
UWS TEAM OF THE WEEK (WEEK X)
F STEPHANIE GARCIA (Houston Aces) - hat trick in 18-minute span in win over So Cal Crush FC
F DEVYN BROUGH (Detroit Sun FC) - game-winner vs. Michigan in Midwest Semifinal
F KAYLA SAAGER (Long Island Rough Riders) * - hat trick in Friday’s win over New York Magic
MF TATIANA ARIZA (Houston Aces) # - two goals, assist in two games over weekend
MF MORGAN SANTORO (Long Island Rough Riders) # - 2 goals in 2 games, GWG vs. Lancaster as second half sub
MF CHLOE CASTANEDA (Santa Clarita Blue Heat) - 2 goals in 4-3 win at Houston
MF MEGAN MCCASHLAND (Houston Aces) - 2 goals in regular season finale victory
D MICHAELA KOVACS (GRFC Women) * - game-winning header in 22nd minute of Midwest Final
D KIMBERLY MARRA (Long Island Rough Riders) # - 3 goals in 2 games, 2 second half goals vs. Lancaster
D NATALIE KUIKKA (Santa Clarita Blue Heat) $ - game-winning goal vs. Houston in 77th minute
GK REILLEY OTT (GRFC Women) * - 8 saves, shutout in Midwest Final win over Detroit
* 2nd appearance on UWS Team Of The Week
# 3rd appearance on UWS Team Of The Week
$ 4th appearance on UWS Team Of The Week
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.
Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.