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NWSL Washington Spirit

Rose Lavelle, Aubrey Bledsoe Named to 2019 NWSL Best XI

October 24, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Boyds, Md., - Washington Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle and goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe have both been named to the 2019 NWSL Best XI team.

The Spirit were one of three teams (Thorns, Royals) to have two players named to the Best XI. A total of 16 players, including 14 Americans who played in the FIFA Women's World Cup this past summer, were named.

Lavelle played in six games for the Spirit this season, logging a total of 450 minutes. The midfielder's pass rate was 74.6%, with long passes being a 58.8% rate. Lavelle scored one goal on six shots this season. Defensively, Lavelle produced a 60% tackle rate, won her duels at a 52.2% rate, and won aerial duels at a 50% rate.

Lavelle was key to fooling opposing defenses as she created 10 key passes and produced one assist. Lavelle scored one goal in 2019, a late game-winner that lifted the Spirit over the visiting Courage in Washington's 2019 home finale.

Bledsoe made started every game for the Spirit in 2019 and earned nine clean sheets, second-most in the NWSL. Bledsoe also made 86 saves, which was tied for most in the NWSL for the 2019 season. Bledsoe conceded 25 goals, second only to the Courage, and had a save percentage of 77.5%.

Additionally, Bledsoe had a total of 290 recoveries which was the highest in the NWSL in 2019. The Spirit conceded 10 fewer goals this season than in 2018 and rose from a goal differential of -23 in 2018 to +5 in 2019.

The Best XI and Second XI are a result of voting conducted from October 17-22 among players, media, fans and owners/GMs/coaches. Voting for the Best XI and Second XI is divided as such: Fans 20%, Owners/GMs/Coaches 20%, Media 20% and Players 40%.

Full 2019 NWSL Best XI

Goalkeeper

Aubrey Bledsoe

Defenders

Abby Dahlkemper, Ali Krieger, Becky Sauerbrunn, Casey Short

Midfielders

Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle

Forwards

Tobin Heath, Sam Kerr, Christen Press

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