A familiar sight: Sam Kerr celebrating a goal, no matter what uniform she wears. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago Red Stars forward Sam Kerr was voted the National Women’s Soccer League player of the week by the NWSL Media Association.
Kerr, 24, is in first place in the Golden Boot race with 14 goals on after recording two goals and an assist to spark the Red Stars to a 3-1 road victory over the Orlando Pride Saturday night. Chicago sits in fourth place in the standings (34 points, 8-4-10) and can clinch the fourth and final spot in the playoffs with two games remaining.
The Fremantle, Australia native kicked off a late surge by the Red Stars just before halftime that resulted in a goal and an assist. In the 44th minute, midfielder Yuki Nagasato flicked on a dangerous pass in behind for Kerr who beat a defender and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. (Watch highlight)
Less than a minute later, Kerr turned provider getting to the end line and cutting a pass back to the top of the six-yard box for midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo to fire first time into the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage.
The Australia International added an insurance goal in the 59th minute, using her defensive efforts to steal the ball off a defender and bury it into the corner of the goal to cap a tremendous performance.
The multi-goal performance was the fourth of the season for Kerr as she finished the game with a team-high 10 shots including five on goal as well as four chances created, according to Opta.
It is the seventh time Kerr has been honored as the NWSL player of the week and the second time this season. It is also the 14thtime a Red Stars player won the award.
The Red Stars will return to action against Sky Blue FC at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. ET.
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
