PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC defenders Meghan Klingenberg and Emily Menges and midfielder Lindsey Horan earned National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Second XI honors for the 2017 season, it was announced today. The NWSL Best XI will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Klingenberg, 29, appeared in 23 matches (22 starts), playing 1,935 minutes in her second season with Thorns FC in 2017. The Gibsonia, Pa., native finished the regular season ranked tied for second in the league with six assists, the most among defenders, while also tallying her first career NWSL playoff assist in Portland’s semifinal win against the Orlando Pride on Oct. 7 at Providence Park. Klingenberg was part of a Thorns FC defense that recorded 11 shutouts, while allowing the fewest goals (20) in the league during the regular season, tying the NWSL single-season record for the lowest goals-against average (0.83) in league history.
Menges, 25, who was a 2016 NWSL Best XI selection, played in 23 matches (23 starts), logging 2,063 minutes in her fourth season with Portland in 2017. The Garden City, N.Y., native was part of a backline that allowed a league-low 20 goals and posted 0.83 goals-against average during the regular season, equaling the mark for the best goals-against average (0.83) in a single season in NWSL history, while also registering 11 clean sheets. In addition, Menges finished the regular season ranked second in interceptions (70), recoveries (149) and fourth in clearances (104) among defenders.
Horan, 23, in her second season with Thorns FC in 2017, was one of four Thorns FC players to start all 24 matches, playing 2,125 minutes during the regular season. The Golden, Colo., native tallied four goals, including a pair of game-winners, and two assists, while also registering her first career NWSL playoff assist in Thorns FC’s semifinal win over Orlando. Among midfielders, Horan led the league in duels won (217) and was tied for fifth in tackles won (47) during the regular season.
The NWSL Second XI team (listed by position, alphabetically by last name):
NWSL Second XI – Goalkeeper: Katelyn Rowland, North Carolina Courage – Defenders: Steph Catley, Orlando Pride; Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage; Meghan Klingenberg, Portland Thorns FC; Emily Menges, Portland Thorns FC – Midfielders: Danielle Colaprico, Chicago Red Stars; Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars; Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC; Sofia Huerta, Chicago Red Stars – Forwards: Alex Morgan, Orlando Pride; Megan Rapinoe, Seattle Reign FC
The NWSL Second XI is comprised of the next leading vote getters at each position that did not make the Best XI. The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
