NWSL has released its best XI for 2018, and several USWNT players made the grade. Voting was a combination of fans, media, players, and coaches. According to NWSL, the breakdown was fans (20%), owners/GMs/Coaches (20%), media (20%) and players (40%). Emily Sonnett, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, McCall Zerboni, Crystal Dunn, and Megan Rapinoe all made the first team starting XI. Julie Ertz and Carli Lloyd were named to the second XI.
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Adrianna Franch
Defenders: Emily Sonnett, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Erceg, Abby Dahlkemper
Midfielders: Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, McCall Zerboni
Forwards: Crystal Dunn, Sam Kerr, Megan Rapinoe
Second XI
Goalkeeper: Lydia Williams
Defenders: Merritt Mathias, Julie Ertz, Emily Menges, Steph Catley
Forwards: Lynn Williams, Rachel Daly, Sofia Huerta
There are a lot of deserving names in these lineups, but as ever with awards, someone has undoubtedly been snubbed while someone may not necessarily have performed as well as the others receiving the same honor.