60: Abby Erceg

The driving force behind North Carolina Courage’s success this year, club captain Erceg was a leader and commanding presence at the back. She played every minute of the NWSL campaign and was rightly voted the league’s defender of the season, even chipping in with a couple of goals along the way. The sense is that, at 29, the New Zealander still has plenty more to give.

Paul Riley, North Carolina Courage manager:

“A stalwart and elite leader whose technical ability and distribution has blossomed over the last few years. Fantastic defender with a no-nonsense approach to defending. What a professional and what a competitor!”

⇐ 61. Sam Mewis

59. Lydia Williams ⇒