PORTLAND, Ore. – Following the conclusion of the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season, four Portland Thorns FC players were named recipients of club awards for the 2015 campaign.
Highlighting this season’s list of award winners in the club’s third season are Thorns FC goalkeeper Michelle Betos, midfielder Allie Long, defender Kat Williamson and midfielder McCall Zerboni.
Most Valuable Player; Golden Boot – Allie Long
Voted by Thorns FC players and staff, midfielder Allie Long was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player for the 2015 season and also was the recipient of the Golden Boot. A 2015 NWSL Best XI selection, Long led the team with 10 goals and four assists, ranking among NWSL leaders in both categories. In addition, Long was one of just three players in the league to rank in the top 10 in goals and assists. One of two players to start and play in all 20 regular-season matches for Thorns FC, Long established a new Thorns FC single-season record for points (24).
Supporters’ Player of the Year – Michelle Betos
Voted on through an online poll, Michelle Betos, the 2015 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, was selected as the Supporters’ Player of the Year. In her second season with Thorns FC, Betos started in 14 matches, registering a career-best 45 saves, helping earn her NWSL Best XI honors. During Week 10 of the season, Betos was named NWSL Player of the Week for Week 10 after scoring the game-tying goal in the final minute of second-half stoppage time with a diving header to become the first goalkeeper in league history to score a goal in a 1-1 draw with FC Kansas City on June 19 at Providence Park.
Defender of the Year – Kat Williamson
Voted by Thorns FC players and staff, defender Kat Williamson served as Portland’s team captain and was one of just two players to start and play in every match for the club in 2015. Williamson anchored Thorns FC’s backline, logging 1,705 minutes in her third NWSL season, while committing just four fouls in 20 matches.
Newcomer of the Year – McCall Zerboni
Voted by Thorns FC players and staff, midfielder McCall Zerboni started and played in 18 of Portland’s 20 matches in her first season with the club, playing 1,459 minutes. Zerboni made her Thorns FC debut on April 11 against the Boston Breakers, logging 90 minutes. She scored her first career goal for Portland, a brace, in a 5-2 win against the Breakers on Aug. 5 at Providence Park.
2015 Portland Thorns FC Club Awards
Most Valuable Player; Golden Boot – Allie Long
Supporters’ Player of the Year – Michelle Betos
Defender of the Year – Kat Williamson
Newcomer of the Year – McCall Zerboni
