The National Women’s Soccer League today announced that Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey and forward Sophia Smith were named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, for the months of September and October. The duo helped Thorns FC to an unbeaten record of 3-0-2 and the No. 2 seed in the 2022 NWSL Playoffs.
Coffey registered a goal and an assist in the month of September, marking her first career professional goal. The 23-year-old midfielder recorded the third-best passing success rate (83.04%) amongst all midfielders with 500 or more passes made in the 2022 campaign, as well as the third-most interceptions (38) amongst midfielders in the league this season.
Smith tallied a goal contribution in Portland’s last three matches (3g, 1a), including a game-tying brace in the season finale against NJ/NY Gotham FC. The 22-year-old striker finished the season with 14 goals, the second most in the league behind Alex Morgan (15), and 11 non-penalty goals which is tied for the most in NWSL with Debinha.
