Two Thorns FC players were nominated for the 2019 ESPY Award for Best NWSL Player in 2018. Voting is done by fans so go vote:
Horan was the 2018 NWSL Most Valuable Player and finished the 2018 regular season ranked third in the NWSL with 13 goals, while tallying two assists in 22 matches (22 starts) for Portland. The Golden, Colo., native, was the league leader in a number of key statistics, including touches (1,852), duels won (297), aerial duels won (141) and successful passes in the opponent’s half (493). Horan also ranked among the league leaders in successful passes ending in the final third (252) and dribbles completed (44). Additionally, Horan scored the game-winning goal and registered an assist in Portland’s 2-1 NWSL Playoffs semifinal victory over Seattle Reign FC on Sept. 15.
An NWSL Best XI selection in 2018, Franch, earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors for a second consecutive season in 2018, after helping guide Portland to the NWSL Championship game for a second straight season. She 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.
