Leja, Goodman and James Receive Conference USA Weekly Awards
9/26/2023 3:21:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Conference USA Players of the Week
LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the second time this month, three Lady Flames received all three Conference USA Players of the Week awards. Forward Ava Goodman (Offensive), defender Lena James (Defensive) and goalkeeper Ainsley Leja, were selected as the CUSA's Players of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.
Leja receives the honor for a league-leading fourth time. The keeper was honored for three straight weeks to open the season. Goodman and James receive the award for the first time.
Liberty leads the CUSA with 10 selections this season. Seven different Lady Flames have received the award in 2023 which also leads the conference.
The Lady Flames made their conference debut taking on Middle Tennessee on the road. Goodman scored the lone goal in a 1-0 shutout win. Liberty returned to Lynchburg to host their CUSA home opener on Sunday, welcoming Sam Houston. Liberty routed the Bearkats with a shutout 6-0 victory as Goodman scored the game-winning goal, her second of the week. James added an assist on the third goal of the game.
Leja recorded two consecutive shutouts last week. The keeper has recorded a nationwide-leading eight shutouts (tied, Clemson's Halle Mackiewicz) and the fifth-best goals-against average in the country at 0.273. She has allowed just three goals in 2023. The Rockford, Mich. native also ranks 10th in the nation with a .893 save percentage.
The keeper leads a Liberty defense that has not allowed a goal in five straight games. Leja has played all 435 minutes of the streak. Liberty held a similar scoreless streak this season of 417 minutes from Aug. 18-Aug. 31. Leja has played every minute of the 2023 season, making 25 total saves.
James has continued to help lead a Liberty backline that held its opponents to just 15 shots last week. The senior out of Brownsburg, Ind. contributed on the offensive end on Sunday, recording an assist by knocking a free kick off the right post that bounced directly to an open Saydie Holland for a goal. James has played 82.5 minutes per game after missing three contests due to an injury.
Goodman netted two-game winning goals to lead a Liberty offense last week. The forward has four goals in 2023 including three game-winners. A sophomore from Pottsville, Pa. Goodman has been a key frontline member for the Lady Flames, making seven starts across 11 appearances.
Liberty looks to extend its Division l leading 24-game unbeaten and 14-game home unbeaten streak on Saturday hosting New Mexico State. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. from Osborne Stadium.
LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the second time this month, three Lady Flames received all three Conference USA Players of the Week awards. Forward Ava Goodman (Offensive), defender Lena James (Defensive) and goalkeeper Ainsley Leja, were selected as the CUSA's Players of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.
Leja receives the honor for a league-leading fourth time. The keeper was honored for three straight weeks to open the season. Goodman and James receive the award for the first time.
Liberty leads the CUSA with 10 selections this season. Seven different Lady Flames have received the award in 2023 which also leads the conference.
The Lady Flames made their conference debut taking on Middle Tennessee on the road. Goodman scored the lone goal in a 1-0 shutout win. Liberty returned to Lynchburg to host their CUSA home opener on Sunday, welcoming Sam Houston. Liberty routed the Bearkats with a shutout 6-0 victory as Goodman scored the game-winning goal, her second of the week. James added an assist on the third goal of the game.
Leja recorded two consecutive shutouts last week. The keeper has recorded a nationwide-leading eight shutouts (tied, Clemson's Halle Mackiewicz) and the fifth-best goals-against average in the country at 0.273. She has allowed just three goals in 2023. The Rockford, Mich. native also ranks 10th in the nation with a .893 save percentage.
The keeper leads a Liberty defense that has not allowed a goal in five straight games. Leja has played all 435 minutes of the streak. Liberty held a similar scoreless streak this season of 417 minutes from Aug. 18-Aug. 31. Leja has played every minute of the 2023 season, making 25 total saves.
James has continued to help lead a Liberty backline that held its opponents to just 15 shots last week. The senior out of Brownsburg, Ind. contributed on the offensive end on Sunday, recording an assist by knocking a free kick off the right post that bounced directly to an open Saydie Holland for a goal. James has played 82.5 minutes per game after missing three contests due to an injury.
Goodman netted two-game winning goals to lead a Liberty offense last week. The forward has four goals in 2023 including three game-winners. A sophomore from Pottsville, Pa. Goodman has been a key frontline member for the Lady Flames, making seven starts across 11 appearances.
Liberty looks to extend its Division l leading 24-game unbeaten and 14-game home unbeaten streak on Saturday hosting New Mexico State. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. from Osborne Stadium.
Congratulations to @Avagoodman1411, Lena James and Ainsley Leja on receiving all 3?? @ConferenceUSA Player of the Week awards!! ?????? pic.twitter.com/vjXqveAFSR
— Liberty Women's Soccer (@LibertyWSoccer) September 26, 2023
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