October 25, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NEW YORK – The National Women’s Soccer League announced today the recipients of the 2022 Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team awards, presented by Mastercard. The recognition honors the top 22 players in the league.
The Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team are based on weighted voting scale comprised of players (50%), owners/GMs/coaches (20%), media (20%) and fans (10%).
2022 NWSL Best XI First Team
Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan (SD)
Defenders: Alana Cook (RGN), Naomi Girma (SD), Sofia Huerta (RGN), Carson Pickett (NC)
Midfielders and Forwards: Sam Coffey (POR), Lo’eau LaBonta (KC), Alex Morgan (SD), Debinha (NC), Mallory Pugh (CHI), Sophia Smith (POR)
2022 NWSL Best XI Second Team
Goalkeeper: Adrianna Franch (KC)
Defenders: Kelli Hubly (POR), Hailie Mace (KC), Tatumn Milazzo (CHI), Becky Sauerbrunn (POR)
Midfielders and Forwards: Kerolin (NC), Jess Fishlock (RGN), Rose Lavelle (RGN), Diana Ordóñez (NC), Megan Rapinoe (RGN), Ebony Salmon (HOU)
Each athlete will receive a cash bonus for their achievements this season as part of Mastercard’s celebration of the Best XI and Best XI Second Team.
“Congratulations to all of the winners on this year’s Best XI teams,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “The hard work, dedication and determination of each of these 22 players is what makes the NWSL so special, and I look forward to following along as they continue to take their game and this league to new heights. I am grateful to Mastercard for helping us give our exceptional athletes the recognition they deserve.”
“We’re thrilled to recognize the extraordinary talent and sportsmanship of the high-performing Best XI teams,” said Alison Giordano, VP Global Sponsorship & Consumer Marketing. “The passion these athletes demonstrate on the field is what priceless is all about.”
About the 2022 Best XI First Team
GK – Kailen Sheridan: Notching the best goals-against average of her career, Sheridan stopped 56 shots in 18 matches for a 0.95 goals-against clip. She also stopped three of four penalty-kick attempts throughout the regular season, good for the most saved shots from the spot this season.
D – Alana Cook: Starting in all of the regular season matches she appeared in this year, Cook’s lockdown defending, which included 78 clearances, 14 blocks and 47 interceptions, helped OL Reign to a 11-4-7 record.
D – Naomi Girma: A four-time Best XI of the Month selection this season, the 2022 Rookie…