Thorns FC Midfielder Tobin Heath Named 2016 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
December 13, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath has been voted the 2016 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, it was announced today.
Heath, 28, wins the award for the first time in her ninth year with the U.S. Women's National Team and in her fourth season with Thorns FC. She claimed the award after earning 40 percent of the vote.
The Basking Ridge, N.J., native caps off a stellar 2016 for club and country where she was named to her first NWSL Best XI after recording a goal and setting a new league record for assists (10) in 14 matches (13 starts) during the 2016 regular season, while leading the club to its first-ever NWSL Shield for the best regular-season record. Heath was instrumental in all offensive aspects for the club, as she led the team in assists, shots on goal (18) and corner kicks taken (61). She was named the NWSL Player of the Month for the month of April and also picked up NWSL Player of the Week honors for Week 6.
In 22 games with the U.S. Women's National Team in 2016, Heath tallied career bests in goals scored (6) and assists (8), while recording the second-most minutes (1,747) on the team. Heath competed in her fifth world championship for the USA in the 2016 Olympic Games, where she recorded two assists in three matches started.
The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer earned the first Female Athlete of the Year honor. Votes are collected from respective National Team coaches, National Team players who have earned a cap in 2016, American soccer league (MLS, NASL and NWSL) head coaches, select media members, former players and administrators.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from December 13, 2016
- Heath, Sanchez Voted 2016 U.S. Soccer Female and Young Female Player of the Year - NWSL
- Heath, Sanchez Voted 2016 U.S. Soccer Female and Young Female Player of the Year - NWSL
- Thorns FC Midfielder Tobin Heath Named 2016 U.S. Soccer Female - Portland Thorns FC
- Thorns FC Midfielder Tobin Heath Named 2016 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year - Portland Thorns FC
- Stefan Stokic Named Defender of the Week - FC Kansas City
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Portland Thorns FC Stories
- Portland Thorns FC Acquire Mexico Goalkeeper Emily Alvarado
- Portland Thorns FC Reorganize Soccer Operations Department
- Portland Thorns FC Held Scoreless at North Carolina Courage
- Portland Thorns FC Earn 2-2 Draw with Racing Louisville
- Youngest NWSL MVP Sophia Smith Commits to Portland with Multi-Year Extension
