Horan named US 'Female Player of the Year'

[December 17, 2021]

(Reuters) - Midfielder Lindsey Horan was named U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year, the national soccer federation said on Thursday.

United States midfielder Lindsey Horan (9) celebrates her goal against the Mexico during the first half during a USWNT Send-off Series soccer match at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

The versatile Horan scored six goals and had five assists and helped the United States to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and a second consecutive SheBelieves Cup title.

"Her work ethic in the midfield and her mentality to continue to evolve as a player is inspiring," national team head coach head coach Vlatko Andonovski said.

"Her ability to control the tempo of a game at the highest levels is world class, as is her ability to win balls in the midfield and help create goals in the attack."

The award was calculated through votes from national team players, coaches, members of the media, fans and others.

"I’ve worked very hard to get to this point in my career, and while I know there’s so much more work to do and things to accomplish individually and as a team, it’s always very nice to be recognized," said Horan, who helped Portland clinch the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) shield this year.

Washington Spirit forward and NWSL rookie of the year Trinity Rodman was voted U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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