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On Tuesday, we reported that Julie Ertz, Danielle Colaprico and Sofia Huerta were honored by the National Women’s Soccer League when they picked up Second XI honors.
The good news continued on Thursday when defender Casey Short and forward Christen Press were named to the NWSL Best XI.
As was the case with the Second XI, the Best XI is voted on by club officials, players, media, and fans.
Casey Short enjoyed a productive 2017 campaign as she was a leader for the Chicago Red Star defense. Chicago finished with the third best defense in the league, and Short was a Defender of the Year finalist. Short also found the score sheet at the right time this season as she scored a goal in the 3-2 victory against the Dash that send Chicago into the NWSL playoffs.
What can we say about Christen Press that hasn’t already been said?
The Red Star captain had a phenomenal 2017 campaign as she found the back of the net 11 times. Press trailed only Samantha Kerr, Marta, and Megan Rapinoe for the NWSL Golden Boot.
That isn’t bad company.
The full Best XI line-up is below:
| Position | Player | Club | Country | Note |
| Goalkeeper | Adrianna Franch | Portland Thorns FC | USA | 11 shutouts |
| Defender | Abby Dahlkemper | North Carolina Courage | USA | 2,160 minutes |
| Defender | Ali Krieger | Orlando Pride | USA | 2,160 minutes |
| Defender | Becky Sauerbrunn | FC Kansas City | USA | 1,980 minutes |
| Defender | Casey Short | Chicago Red Stars | USA | 1,914 minutes |
| Midfielder | Jess Fishlock | Seattle Reign FC | Wales | 7 goals, 2 assists |
| Midfielder | Samantha Mewis | North Carolina Courage | USA | 6 goals, 3 assists |
| Midfielder | McCall Zerboni | North Carolina Courage | USA | 3 goals, assist |
| Forward | Marta | Orlando Pride | Brazil | 13 goals, 6 assists |
| Forward | Samantha Kerr | Sky Blue FC | Australia | 17 goals, 4 assists |
| Forward | Christen Press | Chicago Red Stars | USA | 11 goals, 4 assists |
International Call-Ups
Just because the Red Stars have concluded playing in NWSL competition doesn’t mean this is the last time we get to see some of these talented players.
Who are you excited to see in New Orleans and Cary for #USAvKOR?
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) October 11, 2017
Get to know the squad https://t.co/CpUU2XItkB pic.twitter.com/qheh9BjuaJ
Red Star fans can expect to see Alyssa Naeher, Sofia Huerta, Casey Short, Julie Ertz and Christen Press when the United States face the Korean Republic on Oct.19th and Oct.22nd.
The matches will take place in New Orleans, LA and Cary, NC.
One thing to watch for is Sofia Huerta’s integration into the USWNT. Huerta is traditionally a midfielder for Rory Dames, but United States Head Coach Jill Ellis brought Huerta in at right back when she made her first appearance in Commerce City, CO.
How Huerta handles the new position could dictate how long of a career she may have with the United States.