#1 - Alex Morgan, Forward
Orlando Pride striker Alex Morgan has been ranked the best American women’s player after another stellar season for both club and country. Morgan netted nine goals along with four assists for the Pride in 2017 -- second only to Marta in each category. Morgan played a massive role in Orlando’s tremendous run to the NWSL playoffs as well the USWNT’s successful calendar year. She led the U.S. with seven goals in 698 minutes played.
Alex Morgan also scored five goals in eight league matches for Lyon in the French Division 1 Féminine. Lyon went on to claim the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Overall, it was another stand-out year for America’s top female soccer player.
#23 - Ali Krieger, Defender
Ali Krieger’s first season with the Pride was a massive success. The USWNT veteran made a shift to center back for the Pride, which paid immediate dividends for her team on the defensive side of things. Krieger was the model of consistency all season long -- she played and started every single Pride match in 2017, captaining the side during Ashlyn Harris’ absence.
Krieger’s outstanding play earned her a recall to the USWNT for the 2017 Tournament of Nations, hinting that the 33-year-old is still on the national team radar with the 2019 World Cup approaching.
#28 - Ashlyn Harris, Goalkeeper
Ashlyn Harris, the Orlando Pride captain and emotional leader, ranks 28th on FourFourTwo’s list. Harris was sidelined for nearly two months during the 2017 season, but she came back strong and led Orlando to its first ever postseason appearance. Always capable of making a match-winning save, the Pride no. 24 stood tall between the sticks in 2017 and reminded everybody that she is still a top-class goalkeeper.
Her impact on the field is massive, but Harris’ voice carries just as much weight off the field. Her veteran leadership was a critical factor to Orlando’s successful 2017 campaign.
For the complete list of FourFourTwo USA’s 50 Best American Women’s Players of 2017, click here.
