Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc has been named NWSL Player of the Week for Week 21 after she faced ten shots on goal, saving nine of those. In total, there were 19 shots faced in their 1-1 draw with the Houston Dash this past Sunday.

LeBlanc, 35, won the award in her final regular season match for the Red Stars. Karina became the fifth Red Stars player to win the award this season and the third time in her career she has won.

The 1-1 draw against the Dash helped the Red Stars secure home field advantage for their semifinal match against FC Kansas City. The biggest save of the match came in stoppage time against Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd in the penalty area. Lloyd fired a shot on goal, but LeBlanc was able to block the shot and keep the game tied at 1-1.

She made several other key saves throughout the match. The first one on the night came in just the fifth minute. She came rushing off her line to deny Lloyd after she received an under hit back pass. LeBlanc came up big again about 30 minutes into the game when she made a diving save on a shot from former Red Stars player Ella Masar. Just before half, she made another key save to get the game scoreless. After a corner was swung in by Andressa, it found the head of Morgan Brian. However, LeBlanc was there to keep the ball out of the net.

Jessica McDonald joined the list of players denied by LeBlanc on the afternoon early in the second half. A wide open McDonald received the ball at the center of the box, but the onrushing LeBlanc was there to make the save and keep her team in it.

LeBlanc played in just eight games this season and had a record of 2-2-4 (win-loss-tie). She conceded eleven goals in those eight starts on 39 shots on goal. She finished the season with a 1.375 goals against average. 

The Chicago Red Stars will play their first ever playoff match this Sunday, Sep. 13 at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 against the defending champions FC Kansas City at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

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