PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch earned National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Best XI honors for the 2017 season, it was announced today.
Franch, 26, who was a 2013 NWSL Second XI selection, was one of four Thorns FC players to start all 24 matches during the regular season, posting a record of 14-5-5, while leading the NWSL in shutouts (11) and save percentage (80.0). In her second season with Thorns FC, the Salina, Kan., native set a new NWSL single-season record for shutouts, establishing the record in Portland’s scoreless draw on the road against the Orlando Pride on Sept. 23. Franch helped anchor a defense that allowed the fewest goals (20) in the NWSL during the regular season, posting a 0.83 goals-against average, which ranked second in the league. In addition, Franch finished the regular season ranked fourth in saves (80) and also stopped two penalty-kick attempts.
The NWSL Best XI team (listed by position, alphabetically by last name):
NWSL Best XI – Goalkeeper: Adrianna Franch, Portland Thorns FC – Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage; Ali Krieger, Orlando Pride; Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City; Casey Short, Chicago Red Stars – Midfielders: Jess Fishlock, Seattle Reign FC; Sam Mewis, North Carolina Courage; McCall Zerboni, North Carolina Courage – Forwards: Marta, Orlando Pride; Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC; Christen Press, Chicago Red Stars
The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
