Chicago City Wire

Chicago Red Stars defender Natalia Kuikka earned her first career National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Deloitte Impact Save of the Week award, the league announced today.

In the 75th minute of the Red Stars’ match against Orlando Pride on September 8, a significant play unfolded. As Orlando defender Carson Pickett approached the top of Pride’s attacking third, she delivered a cross into the box. Forward Barbara Banda redirected the ball towards the top left of the net. Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was unable to reach it in time. However, Kuikka emerged from within a crowded box and headed the ball over the crossbar, eliminating what seemed like an inevitable goal. Broadcast analyst Jill Loyden predicted that Kuikka's clearance would earn her Save of the Week honors.

This recognition marks Kuikka’s first NWSL Save of the Week award. The Finland native has been a defensive stalwart for Chicago this season, playing all but 53 regular-season minutes. She leads the NWSL in clearances with 127 and ranks second in blocks with 23. Additionally, she leads Chicago in touches (1,147) and passes (783).

The Red Stars have accumulated five Save of the Week honors in 2024: two by Alyssa Naeher (Weeks 1 and 15) and two by Tatumn Milazzo (Weeks 4 and 5). They also have three Goal of the Week awards between Jameese Joseph (Week 16) and Mallory Swanson (Weeks 14 and 15). Including Kuikka’s recent accolade, Chicago has claimed eight weekly awards this season, more than any other team in the NWSL.

Kuikka will next travel with Chicago to face her former club Portland Thorns FC on September 13 at 9:00 p.m. CT. Following that match, Chicago will return to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois for a two-match homestand against San Diego Wave FC on September 21 at 8:30 p.m. CT and North Carolina Courage on September 29 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Tickets for all home matches can be purchased at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.