The NWSL announced Friday that Portland Thorns midfielder Lindsey Horan has been named the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League Most Valuable Player. The award was voted on by fans, media, club officials and players.
Horan played in 22 of the Thorns 24 matches this season, registering 1,980 minutes while scoring 13 goals (3rd in the NWSL) and adding two assists.
She was named the NWSL’s Player of the Month in July after leading the Thorns to a 3-0 record, scoring three goals and adding an assist. Horan was also named to the NWSL Team of the Month five times during the campaign.
During the season, Horan helped Portland finish 12-6-6 (42 points) record, good for 2nd in the league for the defending NWSL champions. On Saturday, the Thorns will face the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL Championship, a rematch from last season.
Horan is also a key member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, helping them win the 2018 SheBelieves Cup in the spring and the 2018 Tournament of Nations in the summer. In October, Horan will participate in the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying Championship.
Tournament Of Nations: USA Wins Title With Comeback Victory Over Brazil
NWSL Best XI announced
On Thursday, the NWSL announced the selections for the league’s Best and Second Best XI Teams. NWSL Shield winners North Carolina led the way with seven selections (four 1st, three 2nd), followed by Portland Thorns FC with six selections (three 1st, three 2nd).
Best XI:
GK: Adrianna Franch, Portland Thorns FC
D: Emily Sonnett, Portland Thorns FC
D: Becky Sauerbrunn, Utah Royals FC
D: Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage
D: Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage
M: Tobin Heath, Portland Thorns FC: 2nd in NWSL in assists (7)
M: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC: NWSL MVP
M: McCall Zerboni, North Carolina Courage
F: Crystal Dunn, North Carolina Courage: June Player of the Month
F: Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars: Golden Boot winner – 16 goals
F: Megan Rapinoe, Seattle Reign FC: March Player of the Month
Second XI:
GK: Lydia Williams, Seattle Reign FC
D: Merritt Mathias, North Carolina Courage
D: Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars
D: Emily Menges, Portland Thorns FC
D: Steph Catley, Seattle Reign FC
M: Debinha, North Carolina Courage
M: Carli Lloyd, Sky Blue FC
M: Christine Sinclair, Portland Thorns FC
F: Lynn Williams, North Carolina Courage
F: Rachel Daly, Houston Dash: May Player of the Month
F: Sofia Huerta, Houston Dash: April Player of the Month
