Sam Kerr, Steph Catley nominated for NWSL awards

Westfield Matildas duo Sam Kerr and Steph Catley have been rewarded for standout campaigns in the USA with both announced as finalists for the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Awards.

Sky Blue FC’s Kerr is one of five nominees for the league’s Most Valuable Player while Orlando Pride’s Catley is in the running for Defender of the Year.

In the final round of voting - owners, general managers, head coaches, players, media and fans will vote from now to Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. ET to determine the individual award winners as well as the 2017 NWSL Best XI.

Fans can cast their vote at: NWSLsoccer.com/fanvote

Sam Kerr has enjoyed a bumper year for both club and country.
Sam Kerr has enjoyed a bumper year for both club and country.

Kerr enjoyed a sizzling campaign with Sky Blue, netting a remarkable 17 goals to set a new record for the most goals scored in a single season.

She also become the first player to net four goals in a single match and as well, she hit the league’s fastest ever hat-trick (12 minutes) in her side’s win over Kansas City.

The 24-year-old netted two hat-tricks for the season, the first player to do so, and was named in the league’s Team of the Month in May, June, July and August.

Westfield Matildas star Steph Catley has been nominated for the best defender award.
Westfield Matildas star Steph Catley has been nominated for the best defender award.

Meanwhile, Catley’s nomination for defender of the year comes after an ultra-consistent campaign in her second season at Orlando Pride.

The fullback led her side in total touches (1,667) and crosses (75), while her 27 chances created were the second highest by any Pride player.

She also contributed two assists for the campaign and earned ‘Save of the Week’ for her desperate goal-line clearance against Houston.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER NOMINEES

Samantha Kerr - Sky Blue FC

Marta - Orlando Pride

Samantha Mewis - North Carolina Courage

Christen Press - Chicago Red Stars

Megan Rapinoe - Seattle Reign FC

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Steph Catley - Orlando Pride

Abby Dahlkemper - North Carolina Courage

Ali Krieger - Orlando Pride

Becky Sauerbrunn - FC Kansas City

Casey Short - Chicago Red Stars