PORTLAND, Ore.– Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the NWSL Media Association for Week 14, it was announced today.
Playing in her second and third matches since returning from injury, Franch helped Portland earn a 1-1 draw against Sky Blue FC on June 27 and then tallied eight saves – a career best with Thorns FC – on the road against Seattle Reign FC on June 30. Franch played all 180 minutes, recording 11 saves in the two matches.
Against Sky Blue FC, Franch made a save on a swerving close-range attempt in the 38th minute to deny midfielder Imani Dorsey and preserved the draw in the 87th minute with a kick save on forward Shea Groom’s shot. (HIGHLIGHTS). On the road against Seattle, Franch twice denied forward Megan Rapinoe with leaping saves in the 17th and 86th minutes, while reacting quickly to stop a diving header by Reign FC forward Beverly Yanez at point-blank range, blocking the shot with her right knee. (HIGHLIGHTS).
It is the first time Franch has been honored as the NWSL Player of the Week and the 14th time a Thorns FC player has won the award.
The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers covering the league on a consistent basis. For more information on the NWSL Media Association, follow them on Twitter.
Thorns FC return to action this week against Utah Royals FC on Friday, July 6, at Providence Park. The July 6 match kicks off at 8 p.m. (Pacific) and features a live web stream available at www.go90.com and on the go90 app.
