URFC Captain is the Only Player to be Named to the Best XI in Each of the Six NWSL Seasons Since 2013
SANDY, Utah (Thursday, September 20, 2018) – Utah Royals FC DF Becky Sauerbrunn has been named to the National Women’s Soccer League Best XI for the sixth consecutive season. The URFC captain is the only player to be named Best XI every year since the league’s launch in 2013.
Sauerbrunn started in 19 of Utah’s 24 matches, with URFC finishing the season with a 9-7-8 record and a 0.96 goals against average. She made 18 blocks and 49 interceptions while conceding just seven fouls on the year.
“We are extremely happy for Becky and proud of her accomplishment. She is a consummate professional, a leader and someone that earns every accolade she receives,” Utah Royals FC General Manager Craig Waibelsaid. “We could not be happier for her.”
The first player named to Utah Royals FC’s roster prior to the club’s inaugural season after five seasons with FC Kansas City. She was named to the NWSL Best XI in each of her five seasons with FCKC and solidified Utah’s defense while also serving as the club captain. She was named the URFC 2018 MVP as well as Co-Defender of the Year.
In addition to leading Utah Royals FC this season, she also helped the U.S. National Team to an 11-0-2 record this year to continue a 21-match unbeaten streak. She will join URFC teammates DF Kelley O’Hara and FW Christen Press on the 20-player roster for the U.S. National Team for the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship next month.
The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.
NWSL Best XI
GK: Adrianna Franch, Porltand Thorns FC
DF: Emily Sonnett, Portland Thorns FC; Becky Sauerbrunn, Utah Royals FC; Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage; Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage
MF: Tobin Heath, Portland Thorns FC; Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC; McCall Zerboni, North Carolina Courage
FW: Crystal Dunn, North Carolina Courage; Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars; Megan Rapinoe, Seattle Reign FC
NWSL Second Best XI
GK: Lydia Williams, Seattle Reign FC
DF: Merritt Mathias, North Carolina Courage; Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars; Emily Menges, Portland Thorns FC; Steph Catley, Seattle Reign FC
MF: Debinha, North Carolina Courage; Carli Lloyd, Sky Blue FC; Christine Sinclair, Portland Thorns FC
FW: Lynn Williams, North Carolina Courage; Rachel Daly, Houston Dash; Sofia Huerta, Houston Dash
