Porland Thorns FC goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc voted NWSL Player of the Week

Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper and Canadian international Karina LeBlanc was voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 14 of the 2013 NWSL season.

LeBlanc, 33, made five saves – including stopping an 84th-minute penalty taken by Abby Wambach – in a 1:1 draw Sunday at JELD-WEN Field against the Western New York Flash.

The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native’s save against Wambach was her second consecutive penalty-save after previously stopping Seattle Reign FC’s Christine Nairn from 12 yards on 16 June.

It is the second time in four weeks the Canada international has been named the NWSL Player of the Week. LeBlanc, who ranks second in saves (60) and third in shutouts (6) in the league, also earned the accolade for her performance in Week 11.

LeBlanc is the third player to be voted the NWSL Player of the Week on multiple occasions. Wambach claimed the honor for her efforts with the Flash in Weeks 5 and 9, while Boston Breakers forward Sydney Leroux won the award following Weeks 4 and 13.

The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a selection of journalists that cover the league on a consistent basis.