Megan Rapinoe Named NWSL Player of the Week
Megan Rapinoe of Seattle Reign FC has received NWSL Player of the Week honors after she recorded four goals over two matches. 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: After netting four goals in two matches, Seattle Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe has been named Player of the Week by the NWSL Media Association.
Rapinoe was the lone goal scorer for Seattle in the Reign’s two Week 11 wins, which leaped the team into third place in the NWSL standings.
Her four goals brought her tally to nine on the season, three clear of Sam Kerr (Sky Blue FC) and Marta (Orlando Pride), who are tied for second.
Her first brace came on June 28th during a comeback win over the Chicago Red Stars. Rapinoe converted two penalty kicks as Seattle recovered from a 1-0 first half deficit to a 2-1 victory. The game-tying penalty kick, a hard shot into the top left corner, came in the 58th minute following a Red Stars handball in the box. She then converted the game-winner in the 84th minute, going to the right side of the goal, after being fouled in the box by Red Stars defender Casey Short.
Her second brace came on Saturday night in the 15th all-time meeting between Seattle Reign FC and Portland Thorns FC. In the closing moments of first half stoppage time, Thorns midfielder Allie Long passed the ball back to defender Emily Sonnett. Rapinoe chased down the play and pressured Sonnett, forcing a turnover in the box. Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch attempted to clear the ball away, but Rapinoe’s sliding left-footed shot went past Franch to give the Reign a 1-0 advantage.
Rapinoe’s second goal sealed the win in the 81st minute. Reign midfielder Christine Nairn sent a long ball that Rapinoe ran onto the end of inside the top left corner of the penalty area. With the ball still bouncing, Rapinoe hit a left-footed half volley low to the far post to extend the lead to 2-0.
Rapinoe finished Week 11 with four goals, eight shots on goal and four chances created, according to Opta.
It’s the third time Rapinoe has received Player of the Week honors in her NWSL career and first since 2015. She is the fourth Seattle player to win the honor this season, joining Haley Kopmeyer, Jess Fishlock and Nahomi Kawasumi.
Header Photo Credit: ISI Photos
