News

POTW: National Honors - Matchweek Five

Published Jun 12, 2025

NATIONAL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Paige Seitz
Midfielder, FC Monmouth
2 games | 3 goals | 1 assist

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Before Matchweek Five, in its first three games in the WPSL, FC Monmouth went 1-1-1 as its biggest test of the season was staring it down with its next three games scheduled over a five-day period.

In its first match of the week, FC Monmouth traveled to nationally-ranked No.19 SJEB FC in the return match after Monmouth fell to the league veterans 3-0 on May 31. With the clock nearing the end of regulation, Seitz scored the gamewinner in the 85’ to pull off the big upset.

Later in the Week, Seitz and Monmouth faced Delaware Ospreys, who averaged 2.3 goals in its previous three games. Seitz assisted on the opening goal to give Monmouth an early lead before recording a goal herself in the 30’, making it 2-0. In the 65’, Seitz converted a penalty to secure Monmouth’s 4-2 win.

Seitz’ performance helped FC Monmouth earn WPSL’s Team of the Week honors.

"We're incredibly proud of Paige for her early success with FC Monmouth in her first year with the club,” James Davis, FC Monmouth, general manager, said. “She's an incredibly hard worker and a great person that has been able to have an instant impact in this tough stretch of games. We look forward to seeing her continued growth towards the tail end of the season."

The William & Mary sophomore recorded 196 minutes in 13 games she played in the 2024 collegiate season. Seitz took five shots with two being on goal.

NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sierra Sythe

Defender, Beach Futbol Club

2 games | 180 min

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In Matchweek Five, Beach Futbol Club met two of the top teams not only in the SoCal Conference but the entire West Region - and had to do so on its opponents turf. Sierra Sythe was a proven factor for Beach’s defensive stance against the No. 6 and No. 7 teams in the West, tallying 180 min of action between both contests. Sythe was a relentless force on both sides of the ball, logging nearly 14 miles as a wing back

In the first match of the Week, Beach traveled to then-No. 7 So Cal Union FC, who had not allowed a goal in its previous three contests. Her engine and defensive awareness helped solidify the back line to secure the 1-1 draw and a point on the road.

Two days later, during the West Region Matchup of the Week, Sythe and Beach traveled to San Diego to face the then-No. 6 Strikers, who had outscored its previous five opponents 12 to four and averaged 2.4 goals a game. The Wake Forest sophomore’s impact was felt everywhere on the pitch and led a defense that kept the Strikers scoreless for 77 minutes to pull out the 2-1 win.

After missing the full 2023 season for Wake Forest due to injury, Sythe started in 18 of the 24 matches she played in 2024. Sythe helped the Demon Deacons to one of the best defensive records in the ACC and NCAA. Sythe also tallied an assist in the NCAAW College Cup Semifinals against Stanford.