NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC's Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo Nominated for U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

Published on December 10, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


SEATTLE - U.S. Soccer has announced the five nominees for 2015 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This year's field features Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe and goalkeeper Hope Solo along with midfielders Lauren Holiday, Carli Lloyd, and defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

All five played major roles in the USA winning the 2015 Women's World Cup with Carli Lloyd winning the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament while Solo won the Golden Glove as the top goalkeeper. Lloyd, Solo and Sauerbrunn played every minute of the tournament.

Rapinoe played 462 minutes and started a total of six matches. Her two goals lifted the USA over Australia in their 3-1 opening group stage win of the tournament on June 8. The midfielder also had two assists in the tournament, including the corner kick that led to Carli Lloyd's opening goal in the USWNT's 5-2 win over Japan in the final.

In addition to capturing the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper in the 2015 Women's World Cup, Solo played all 630 minutes of the tournament in goal for the USWNT, recorded five clean sheets, and allowed just three goals in seven matches. During the tournament, Solo achieved many milestones, including most wins by a Women's National Team goalkeeper at 136. She also now has 170 starts and 89 shoutouts, both leading marks.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, Dec., 16, during the pre-game coverage of the USA vs. China PR match from New Orleans on FOX Sports 1.

A Look at the Five Nominees for 2015 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

History of U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Award

A new voting process was put in place starting last year. Votes will be collected from National Team coaches and staff, WNT players who have earned a cap in 2015, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer's Athlete Council, National Women's Soccer League coaches, select college head coaches and select media members.

Three of the nominees have won the award once before. Holiday, who played her final game for the USA on Oct. 25 in Orlando, Fla., was the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2014, while Solo won in 2009 and Lloyd in 2008.

Abby Wambach holds the record for most Female Player of the Year awards with six honors (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2013). Her win in 2013 broke the previous record of five held by Mia Hamm.

The U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, when midfielder Sharon Remer (known then as Sharon McMurtry) earned the inaugural honor.

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