Kiara Melendez

Kiara Melendez of Anchorage is playing like the most valuable women’s soccer player in the NWAC this season.

Her impact is undeniable.

All you need to know is that the Portland Community College Panthers are 6-0 when she scores a goal.

Other players in the league might have more points, but few can match Melendez’s ability to affect a game.

She scored the winning goal in the 76th minute to secure Portland’s 2-1 victory over Southwestern Oregon CC.

Melendez has seven goals in 16 games – the most among the nine Alaska women playing in the NWAC. This was her first goal since Oct. 1.

This is her first full season of soccer since 2017 after a series of setbacks kept her off the field for the final three years of high school.

Melendez scored in four straight games in September, with her five goals during that stretch fueling Portland’s 13-3 scoring advantage.