Following Week 2 of the National Women’s Soccer League regular season, Seattle Reign FC midfielder Ji So-Yun won NWSL Goal of the Week. Ji’s goal also made NWSL history as it marked the first Korean player to score in the NWSL.
Ji So-Yun won the NWSL Goal of the Week award as the midfielder's goal also made NWSL history as the ... [+]
Ji Equalizes For Seattle Reign FC
In Saturday's game against the Chicago Red Stars, Ji made her second appearance with the Reign as the team participated in their first away match of the season.
The ball was initially chipped into the box by Sofia Huerta and while the Red Stars defense attempted to deflect the shot, Ji remained patient at the top of the box.
After controlling the ball, Ji launched the shot to the net where the ball soared through to catch Red Stars goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, off guard to equalize for the Reign in the 63’ minute.
“I honestly thought she hit the post and then I saw the ball ripple in the net. So yeah, that’s what she brings, she’s quality,” added Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey following the game.
Ji’s goal also marked the 50th Reign player to score for the Reign since the club’s inception in 2013.
NWSL Goal of the Week
The NWSL Goal of the Week award was created by the league in 2016 and makes its return for the 2024 season. The league gathers several plays to be nominated for a variety of categories, fans are able to submit their vote via X (formerly Twitter) and on Instagram polls.
In Week 1 of the NWSL, Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala won the award, which marked the first goal in club history for the latest expansion side.
With this award, Ji is now the fourth player in Reign history to win NWSL Goal of the Week. From 2016-2019, midfielder Jess Fishlock won the award twice followed by forwards Bethany Balcer and Megan Rapinoe each winning the award once.
In her two starts with the Reign, Ji leads with seven shots on goal and joins Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith as the only two players in the league to record at least seven shots and one goal through Week 2.
As the NWSL regular season continues this weekend, Seattle Reign FC will travel to San Diego for their second road game against San Diego Wave FC on Friday, March 29 at 7pm PT/10pm ET.
