CHICAGO – Chicago Red Stars forward Sam Kerr was voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the NWSL Media Association for Week 22 of the 2018 NWSL season.

Kerr, 24, is now in first place in the Golden Boot race with 14 goals on the season after recording two goals and an assist to spark the Red Stars to a 3-1 road victory over the Orlando Pride on Saturday night. Behind Kerr’s efforts, Chicago now sits in the fourth place in the standings (34 points, 8-4-10 record), and are in position to clinch the fourth and final spot in the playoffs with two games remaining.

The Fremantle, Australia native kicked off a late surge by the Red Stars just before halftime that would result in a goal and an assist for Kerr. In the 44^th minute, midfielder Yuki Nagasato flicked on a dangerous pass in behind for Kerr who beat a defender and fired a low shot past Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. (Watch highlight)

Less than a minute later, Kerr turned provider getting to the end line and cutting a pass back to the top of the six-yard box for midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo to fire first time into the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The Australia International would add an insurance goal in the 59^th minute using her defensive efforts to steal the ball off an Orlando defender and buries it into the corner of the goal to cap a tremendous performance.

The multi-goal performance was the fourth of the season for Kerr as she finished the game with a team-high 10 shots including five on goal as well as four chances created, according to Opta.

It is the seventh time Kerr has been honored as the NWSL Player of the Week and the second time this season. It is also the 14^th time a member of the Red Stars has won the award.

The Chicago Red Stars will return to action Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET against Sky Blue FC at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis. For more information on the NWSL Media Association, follow them on Twitter.