REGIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) has announced its RecoFit Regional Player of the Week awards for Week 2 of the 2024 WPSL Season. Honorees include Shaela Bradley (WEST REGION) of Portland Thorns FC II, Lauren Rodriguez (CENTRAL REGION) of Utah Surf, Ava Nucci (SOUTH REGION) of McLean Soccer, and Nikki Cox (EAST REGION) of Columbus Eagles FC.

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WEST REGION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Shaela Bradley, Midfielder, Portland Thorns FC II
11/21 votes

Bradley was a pivotal force in Portland Thorns FC II’s debut weekend in WPSL that featured two back-to-back  match ups in the Northwest Conference. In its season opener on May 18, Bradley led the Thorns II to a 3-0 win at home where she contributed to all three goals. The incoming-Rutgers University midfielder put Portland on the board in the 43’ minute then followed it up with assist to Cally Togiai three minutes later to close out the half. Bradley netted her brace in 78’ minutes and gave the Thorns II its inaugural WPSL win.
 

Honorable Mentions:
Samantha Fenske, F, Napa Valley 1839 FC (PAC NORTH) – 9/21 votes
Peyton Leonard, M, MISS KICK FC (SO CAL) – 1/21 votes

Nominees:
Kolo Suliafu, D, Seattle Reign FC II (NORTHWEST), University of Washington
Maddie Williams, GK, Southern California Eagles (SO CAL), Azusa Pacific University

CENTRAL REGION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lauren Rodriguez, GK, Utah Surf
17/21 votes

Rodriguez came up huge in the Surf’s opening game against the nationally ranked (12) Utah Avalanche to pull off an upset of the conference. The Columbia University goalkeeper made 21 saves while protecting the goal for all 90 minutes of play. Rodriguez outstanding goaltending helped shutout the Avalanche and give the Surf a 2-0 win – no other team in the Wasatch Division has beaten the Avalanche.
 

Honorable Mentions:
Bree Cordray, D, Junction FC (MIDWEST) – 3/21 votes
Courtney Claasen, M, KC Courage (HEARTLAND) – 1/21 votes

Nominees:
Alyssa Weede, M, Junction FC (MIDWEST), University of Illinois
*Teams who play two games in a week are permitted to nominate two players

SOUTH REGION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ava Nucci, F, McLean Soccer
12/21 votes

Nucci was a huge contributor to the McLean offense in the team’s first game of the season. The highschooler kicked off scoring in the first minute of play to give McLean the lead. Keneally recorded two more goals in the second half at the 61’ and 85’ minutes to complete her hat trick and see the Virginia side to a 7-2 win on road.
 

Honorable Mentions:
Alyssa Keneally, M, Arlington Soccer (ATLANTIC), William & Mary University – 3/21 votes
Mikayla Cunningham, F, Classics Elite SA (LONESTAR) – 2/21 votes
Angeline Kieh, F, Nashville Rhythm F.C. (SOUTHEAST), Campbellsville University – 2/21 votes
Camryn Bliss, M, West Florida Flames (SUNSHINE), University of Kansas – 1/21 votes
 

Nominees:
Madison Murnin, D, UK F.C. (ATLANTIC), High School

EAST REGION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nikki Cox, M, Columbus Eagles FC
17/21 votes

Cox made a statement in the first game of her second season with Columbus Eagles FC in Week 2 action that started them on the road. The Bowling Green State graduate lead the Eagles to a 4-4 thriller, scoring all four goals in just 60 minutes of play.
 

Honorable Mentions:
Anna Rupert, F, Corktown WFC (GREAT LAKES), Syracuse University – 4/21 votes

Nominees:
Alina Lagace, F, New York Shockers (NORTHEASTERN), High School
Liza Suydam, M, PA Classics (MID-ATLANTIC), Monmouth University
Ashton Armstrong, M, Rhode Island Rogues (NORTHEASTERN)
Sophia Muetterties, M, West-Mont United (MID-ATLANTIC), Queens University of Charlotte