PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was named National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2018 season, it was announced today.
An NWSL Best XI selection in 2018, Franch, 27, earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors for a second consecutive season, after helping guide Portland to the NWSL Championship game for a second straight season.
Franch, who also was a 2017 NWSL Best XI selection, made 14 starts in 2018, posting a record of 9-3-2 and recording three shutouts. A two-time NWSL Player of the Week selection this season, she made 45 saves and finished the regular season with a 76.3 save percentage. In addition, she recorded five or more saves in four matches, including a season-high eight saves against Seattle Reign FC on June 30.
Among NWSL goalkeepers who have appeared in at least 20 career matches, Franch has the best goals-against average (0.86) in NWSL history and ranks tied for second with 24 career shutouts. Since arriving in Portland in 2016, Franch has posted the highest save percentage (78.2) among goalkeepers who have appeared in at least 10 matches during that span and ranks tied for second in the NWSL with 18 shutouts.
The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
All-Time NWSL Goalkeeper of Year:
2018: Adrianna Franch – Portland Thorns FC
2017: Adrianna Franch – Portland Thorns FC
2016: Ashlyn Harris – Orlando Pride
2015: Michelle Betos – Portland Thorns FC
2014: Alyssa Naeher – Boston Breakers
2013: Nicole Barnhart – FC Kansas City
