NWSL Announces 2017 Best XI
Published on October 12, 2017 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NATIONAL WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2017 BEST XI
CHICAGO (Oct. 12, 2017) - The National Women's Soccer League announced Thursday the Best XI selections for the 2017 NWSL season.
The North Carolina Courage led the way with three selections to the squad followed by the Chicago Red Stars and Orlando Pride with two members each on the team.
Seven players earned their first selection to the Best XI this year, highlighted by the top two goal scorers in the league - Sky Blue FC forward Samantha Kerr and Orlando forward Marta.
Four of those first-time selections are set to feature in the 2017 NWSL Championship Game on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla. as Abby Dahlkemper, Samantha Mewis, McCall Zerboni and the Courage go up against Adrianna Franch and the Portland Thorns in a match broadcast nationally at 4:30 p.m. ET live on Lifetime.
FC Kansas City defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Chicago Red Stars forward Christen Press were the only two players from the 2016 Best XI also voted to the team this year. It was the fifth consecutive selection to the squad for Sauerbrunn and the third straight selection for Press.
Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock was voted to the Best XI for the fourth time in five years, while Pride defender Ali Krieger made her second appearances on the team. Fishlock has earned a place on the Best XI or Second XI in all five years of the NWSL.
Krieger is the oldest player on the squad and the fifth-oldest player ever selected to Best XI. She is one of five players - including Sauerbrunn, Marta, Zerboni and Fishlock - voted to the team over the age 30, the most of any Best XI side in the five-year history of the NWSL.
Krieger was also one of three players - along with Fishlock and Red Stars defender Casey Short - made the leap to the Best XI after making the Second XI last season.
2017 NWSL Best XI
Position Player Club Country Note
Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch Portland Thorns FC USA 11 shutouts
Defender Abby Dahlkemper North Carolina Courage USA 2,160 minutes
Defender Ali Krieger Orlando Pride USA 2,160 minutes
Defender Becky Sauerbrunn FC Kansas City USA 1,980 minutes
Defender Casey Short Chicago Red Stars USA 1,914 minutes
Midfielder Jess Fishlock Seattle Reign FC Wales 7 goals, 2 assists
Midfielder Samantha Mewis North Carolina Courage USA 6 goals, 3 assists
Midfielder McCall Zerboni North Carolina Courage USA 3 goals, assist
Forward Marta Orlando Pride Brazil 13 goals, 6 assists
Forward Samantha Kerr Sky Blue FC Australia 17 goals, 4 assists
Forward Christen Press Chicago Red Stars USA 11 goals, 4 assists
The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2017 NWSL Championship, starting as low as $20. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase seats throughout the 25,500 capacity venue, including in the North end of Orlando City Stadium - North America's first safe-standing supporter's section. Tickets are available online at www.NWSLchampionship.com and by phone at 1-855-ORL-CITY.
www.NWSLsoccer.com
National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 12, 2017
- Sam Kerr Named to 2017 NWSL Best XI - Sky Blue FC
- Thorns FC Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch Named to 2017 Nwsl Best Xi - Portland Thorns FC
- Becky Sauerbrunn Named to Nwsl Best Xi for Fifth Straight Year - FC Kansas City
- NWSL Announces 2017 Best XI - NWSL
- Seattle Reign FC Midfielder Jessica Fishlock Named to NWSL Best XI - Seattle Reign FC
- USA ADVANCES TO ROUND OF 16 AS THIRD-PLACE FINISHER - NWSL
- ADVISORY: U.S. Soccer to Hold Conference Call Open to All Media on October 13 - NWSL
- NC Courage and Orlando Pride U-18/19 - NWSL
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