NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2024 BEST XI

CHICAGO (Sept. 25, 2024) – The National Women’s Soccer League announced Thursday the Best XI selections for the 2024 NWSL season. FC Kansas City and Seattle Reign FC combined for six selections to the squad ahead of their meeting for the second consecutive year in the NWSL Championship Game on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. in a nationally broadcasted match at 9:30 p.m. ET live on FOX Sports 1.

Reign FC led the way with four players on the team, followed by FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC and the Chicago Red Stars with two selections each.

At 23, NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn is the youngest player on the Best XI – 88 days younger than Red Stars defender Julie Johnston.

FC Kansas City defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock each earned their third consecutive Best XI selections, while Seattle midfielder Kim Little was named to the team for the second straight year.

Position Player Club Country Note
Goalkeeper Michelle Betos Portland Thorns FC USA 45 saves
Defender Lauren Barnes Seattle Reign FC USA 1,800 minutes
Defender Julie Johnston Chicago Red Stars USA 1.10 team GAA
Defender Amy LePeilbet FC Kansas City USA 1,800 minutes
Defender Becky Sauerbrunn FC Kansas City USA 1.00 team GAA
Midfielder Jess Fishlock Seattle Reign FC Wales 8 goals, 2 assists
Midfielder Kim Little Seattle Reign FC Scotland 10 goals, 7 assists
Midfielder Allie Long Portland Thorns FC USA 10 goals, 4 assists
Forward Crystal Dunn Washington Spirit USA 15 goals, 3 assists
Forward Christen Press Chicago Red Stars USA 10 goals, 2 assists
Forward Beverly Yanez Seattle Reign FC USA 9 goals

The NWSL awards are voted on by media that cover the league on a consistent basis, club officials, players and fans.

The NWSL Second XI is comprised of the next leading vote getters at each position that did not make the Best XI (listed by position, alphabetically by last name):

Position Player Club Country Note
Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart FC Kansas City USA 8 shutouts
Defender Stephanie Cox Seattle Reign FC USA 1,800 minutes
Defender Kendall Fletcher Seattle Reign FC USA 2 goals, 2 assists
Defender Arin Gilliland Chicago Red Stars USA 1.10 team GAA
Defender Leigh Ann Robinson FC Kansas City USA 1,800 minutes
Midfielder Danielle Colaprico Chicago Red Stars USA 1,776 minutes
Midfielder Lauren Holiday FC Kansas City USA 2 goals, 2 assists
Midfielder Carli Lloyd Houston Dash USA 4 goals
Midfielder Keelin Winters Seattle Reign FC USA 1,654 minutes
Forward Sofia Huerta Chicago Red Stars USA 6 goals, 3 assists
Forward Megan Rapinoe Seattle Reign FC USA 5 goals, 5 assists

The 2024 NWSL Championship Game featuring FC Kansas City vs. Seattle Reign FC will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2024 at 9:30 pm ET on FOX Sports 1 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. Tickets are available for purchase by calling (888) 736-6849 or online at www.portlandthornsfc.com.