NWSL North Carolina Courage

Carson Pickett Named to 2021 NWSL Best XI First Team, Presented by Mastercard

Published on November 17, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


CARY, NC - North Carolina Courage defender Carson Pickett has been named to the 2021 Best XI First Team, presented by Mastercard, the NWSL announced today. The inaugural recognition includes a first and second team, and honors the top 22 players in the league. The teams are voted on by players (50%), owners, general managers, and coaches (20%), media members (20%) and fans (10%).

Acquired in a trade with the Orlando Pride in early February 2021, Pickett quickly became an integral component of the Courage backline over the course of the season. Starting in all 25 matches during the regular season and playoffs, the Spartanburg, SC, native posted 47 clearances, nine blocks, and 58 interceptions. Pickett logged 2,267 minutes of playing time, during which she maintained a 61.8% success rate in tackles and a 77.7% success rate in passes.

Dominant in the attacking third, Pickett finished the 2021 NWSL season tied for second in the league with a career best five assists. She also logged 62 key passes, and 30 successful crosses this season, generating numerous scoring opportunities for the Courage. The defender also took several chances of her own, collecting 10 shots, three of which were on target.

Pickett, along with the rest of the award recipients, will receive a cash bonus for their achievements this season as part of Mastercard's celebration of the Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team.

2021 NWSL Best XI First Team:

Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan (NJ/NY Gotham FC)

Defenders: Caprice Dydasco (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Alana Cook (OL Reign), Sarah Gorden (Chicago Red Stars), Carson Pickett (North Carolina Courage)

Midfielders and Forwards: Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Jessica Fishlock (OL Reign), Eugenie Le Sommer (OL Reign), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Angela Salem (Portland Thorns FC)

2021 NWSL Best XI Second Team

Goalkeeper: Bella Bixby (Portland Thorns FC)

Defenders: Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Menges (Portland Thorns FC)

Midfielders and Forwards: Bethany Balcer (OL Reign), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Ifeoma Onumonu (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Sydney Leroux (Orlando Pride), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars)

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