Thorns have four in NWSL Best XI

Adrianna Franch, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Emily Sonnett all made the NWSL best XI in the end of regular season vote, the NWSL announced today.

Franch and Sonnett represent the Thorns backline that has improved significantly over the course of the season (if perhaps not reaching the consistency of last year’s team). Franch’s return in particular was crucial in the path to securing second place and a home playoff spot late in the season. Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan, both hitting their career highs in goals in a season with seven and thirteen respectively, take two of the three available midfield spots. Both players were remarkable for their efficiency in front of goal: Horan scored the third most goals in the league while only taking the eighth most shots, and Heath didn’t even crack the top twenty for shots taken. Heath also tied with Yuki Nagasato for the second most assists in the league.

Christine Sinclair, with nine goals on the season, makes the second XI alongside defensive stalwart Emily Menges.