WINDSOR, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda has been nominated for the USL League One Fans’ Choice Save of the Week in Week 18. This is his second nomination in three weeks, having won the Week 16 save of the week for his save in the game against Charlotte Independence.
This past weekend, Peñaranda was the starting keeper in Northern Colorado’s 1-1 draw against Forward Madison FC. The nominated save came in the 52nd minute as Madison set up for a free kick, while Northern Colorado was defending its 1-0 lead.
The ball was whipped in off the left foot of the Flamingos’ Matheus Cassini. The Brazilian picked out Cyrus Rad making a run at the far post, inside the six yard box, and Rad was able to get a head on the ball to direct it on goal. The shot first went down to the ground but rebounded upwards and nearly into the roof of the net. Peñaranda had barely enough time to react and punch at the ball, clearing it off the line. The goal line clearance preserved the lead for the time being, and helped the team bring home a point from the away fixture.
In addition to Peñaranda’s Save of the Week winner back in Week 16, Thomas Olsen also won Save of the Week in Week 14. Olsen’s save in Week 14 came against the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
The award is given based on a fan vote. Voting is open now.
Northern Colorado are back in action tonight, August 2, at 7 p.m. MDT at Severance High School. The team will play host to second-place Richmond Kickers, as both sides try to secure a spot in the USL League One Playoffs.
The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, and multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports tournaments, events, leagues, and more.