Francisca Ordega Named NWSL Player of the Week
Francisca Ordega has been named NWSL Player of the Week after tallying two goals and an assist during the club’s win over Sky Blue FC. The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis.
NWSL Soccer News: Washington Spirit forward Francisca Ordega has received National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week honors for Week 4 of the 2017 campaign.
Ordega, 23, recorded two goals and an assist to lead the Spirit to a 4-3 home win over Sky Blue FC. Washington match the Spirit’s single-game scoring record and produced its highest scoring performance in the club’s last 84 games.
The Gboko, Nigeria native got Washington on the scoreboard in the 6th minute as she was played in on goal by midfielder Line Sigvardsen Jensen before sliding a left-footed shot inside the far post. Ordega then turned provider in the 34th minute when she opened up the Sky Blue defense with a perfectly-weighted through ball to forward Havana Solaun to give the Spirit a 3-1 lead.
The Nigeria international recorded the eventual game-winning goal in the 56th minute as she closed down Kailen Sheridan and blocked the Sky Blue goalkeeper’s clearance before racing to collect the ball and converting from a tight angle.
Ordega is the first Spirit player to record two goals and an assist in a match since U.S. international Crystal Dunn accomplished the feat during the 2015 season. It is the first time Ordega has been honored as the NWSL Player of the Week and the 10th time a Spirit player has won the award. She is the first African-born player to receive the honor.
The Washington Spirit will return to action Saturday, May 13 at 4 p.m. ET against the Seattle Reign at Memorial Stadium.
Header Photo Credit:Jose Argueta/ISI Photos
