40. Yuki Nagasato
Her superb partnership with Sam Kerr may now be a memory condemned to the past but it doesn’t make Nagasato’s 2019 any less memorable. With her international career behind her, Nagasato’s influence throughout the year for the Red Stars was evident in her stats – matching her eight goals with eight assists to end what was a stunning personal campaign. Five of those goals came in the back half of the season as the pressure ramped up and technically there are few better anywhere in the world than Nagasato, certainly not in 2019. With Kerr gone to Chelsea, Chicago can still rely upon the fact they have a player of Nagasato’s quality in their squad as they look to go a step better in 2020.
Craig Harrington, Chicago Red Stars assistant manager:
“Our supporters have fallen in love with her. She can change the match at any moment with her technical ability.”
Mami Yamaguchi & Aya Miyama, former Japan players:
“She performs at a very high intensity for an entire match. She can change the game and make impacts even with one touch play. Although she is one of the veterans, her performance has been progressing with her rich experience. After three years playing for Chicago Red Stars, her performance in 2019 season was outstanding in the league. Her role and position on the field became clear and that maximized her potential and skills. On top of that, the relationship and combination play with Sam Kerr was significant in the league for the team.”
| ⇐ 41. Jill Scott | 39. Fran Kirby ⇒ |
The Offside Rule 