PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC forward Tobin Heath and midfielder Lindsey Horan earned National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Best XI honors for the 2019 season, it was announced today. Additionally, defender Emily Sonnett was named to the NWSL Second XI.
Heath, 30, who was a 2016 and 2018 NWSL Best XI selection, appeared in 13 games (12 starts), tallying three goals and three assists in 2019. The Basking Ridge, N.J., native, recorded three or more assists for the fourth time in her NWSL career, while recording at least three goals for a second consecutive season. Additionally, Heath ranked seventh in the NWSL in chances created (37) and led the league in chances created from set plays (24).
Horan, 25, who was named NWSL Best XI in 2018 and earned NWSL Second XI accolades in 2017, started and played in 13 matches, recording one goal and two assists during the 2019 season. The Golden, Colo., native, recorded two assists for a third straight campaign, while also adding at least one goal for a fourth consecutive season. Additionally, Horan finished 2019 ranked third in aerials won (77) and eighth in duels won (144).
A NWSL Best XI selection in 2018, Sonnett, 24, played in 13 matches (12 starts) during the 2019 season, recording two goals. The Marietta, Ga., native, helped anchor a backline that registered eight shutouts during the campaign, which ranks as the second-most in a single season in club history.
The NWSL Best XI team (listed by position, alphabetically by last name): Goalkeeper: Aubrey Bledsoe, Washington Spirit – Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage; Ali Krieger, Orlando Pride; Becky Sauerbrunn, Utah Royals FC; Casey Short, Chicago Red Stars – Midfielders: Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars; Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC; Rose Lavelle, Washington Spirit – Forwards: Tobin Heath, Portland Thorns FC; Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars; Christen Press, Utah Royals FC
The NWSL Second XI team (listed by position, alphabetically by last name):
NWSL Second XI – Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher, Chicago Red Stars; Lauren Barnes, Reign FC; Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage; Kelley O’Hara, Utah Royals FC; Emily Sonnett, Portland Thorns FC – Midfielders: Bethany Balcer, Reign FC; Crystal Dunn, North Carolina Courage; Yuki Nagasato, Chicago Red Stars – Forwards: Kristen Hamilton, North Carolina Courage; Carli Lloyd, Sky Blue FC; Megan Rapinoe, 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.
