Natalia Kuikka was named the Budweiser Player of the Match on Sunday against the Orlando Pride. This was the second consecutive match for which the defender won this award.
Kuikka signed for the Portland Thorns on Oct. 29, 2020 from Damallsvenskan side Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC. The Finnish international has talked about the difficulties of moving to Portland during the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning to a new league.
I had the opportunity to ask @nataliakuikka about transitioning to the NWSL. She spoke about the difficulties of the transition because of the pandemic, her performances in the first three matches and always demanding more of herself on the pitch #BAONPDX pic.