Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was voted the National Women’s Soccer League player of the week by the NWSL Media Association, it was announced Tuesday afternoon.
Franch, 27, put on an impressive display despite two tough results in her second and third performances since returning from injury.
She helped guide the Thorns to a 1-1 draw with Sky Blue FC at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. June 27 and a 1-0 loss on a late goal against Seattle Reign FC on June 30 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle three days later.
The Salina, Kansas native made three saves against Sky Blue FC, including a key stop in the 38th minute as midfielder Imani Dorsey hit a swerving strike from close range, but she leaped high to her right to knock the shot away. Franch came up big again with a kick save in the 87th minute off a shot from forward Shea Groom, who had been slipped into the box by midfielder Carli Lloyd. (Watch highlights)
For nearly 90 minutes, the U.S. international kept Seattle off the board with several excellent saves including two against Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe in the 17th and 86th minutes with two leaping saves. In the 39th minute, Reign FC forward Beverly Yanez made a run into box to get on the end of a cross and made a diving header from point-blank range but Franch denied the attempt with her right leg. (Watch highlights)
The Oklahoma State product played all 180 minutes of both games and finished with 11 saves on 13 shots on goal by Sky Blue FC and Reign FC, according to Opta.
It is the first time Franch has been honored as the NWSL player of the week and the 14th time a member of Thorns FC has won the award.
Portland returns to action Friday at 11 p.m. ET against the Utah Royals FC at Providence Park in Portland, Ore.
