clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Christen Press & Casey Short Named To The NWSL’s Best XI For 2017

Plus: which Red Stars players got USWNT call-ups for South Korea friendlies

Soccer: International Friendly Women's Soccer-New Zealand at USA Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.