Tobin Heath Named NWSL Player of the Month

Portland Thorns midfielder Tobin Heath has been named the National Women's Soccer League Player of the Month for April, the Thorns and NWSL announced Wednesday.

The league leader in assists, Heath recorded 3 assists in April, assisting on both goals in the Thorns 2-1  victory over the Orlando Pride on April 17, and recorded an assist during the Thorns 1-1 draw with FC Kansas City on April 23.  She added her 4th assist during the Thorns 1-0 victory over Boston on Sunday, providing a pin-point free kick that Dagny Brynjarsdottir headed home in the 79th minute.

Heath becomes the second Thorn to win the award.  Christine Sinclair won the award in April 2013, following a 2 goal, 1 assist performance in the league's inaugural season.

The NWSL Player of the Month Award is selected by members of the NWSL Media Association.

The Thorns currently sit in second place with a 2-0-1 record through three weeks.  They take on the Washington Spriit (3-0-0) this Saturday in a match up between the league's last two undefeated teams.

Portland Thorns Press Release

THORNS FC MIDFIELDER TOBIN HEATH NAMED NWSL PLAYER OF THE MONTH

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath was named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Month for April, it was announced today.

In two games during the month of April, Heath tallied three assists, starting and wearing the captain’s armband in Thorns FC’s home opener against the Orlando Pride on April 17 and on the road against FC Kansas City on April 23.

Heath set up both goals as Portland registered a 2-1 win against Orlando at Providence Park, including midfielder Lindsey Horan’s game-winning goal in the 82nd minute. In addition, it marked the second time Heath has registered multiple assists in a match for Thorns FC during her career.

On the road against FC Kansas City, Heath delivered the game-tying assist off a corner kick in the 78th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.

The NWSL Player of the Month is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of press that cover the league on a consistent basis. For more information on the NWSL Media Association, follow them on Twitter.

Playing the third game of a four-game road stretch, Thorns FC (2-0-1, 7pts) square off against the Washington Spirit on Saturday, May 7, at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.; kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (Pacific).