71. Mal Pugh
Still just 21, the exciting Pugh features for a fourth year out of four. Like many USA players, her year was fully split between club and country duty, but the pacey winger capable of playing either side of the pitch or at full-back started the year brightly with a goal against France and two more in a spectacular friendly win against Australia. Pugh found the net in the opening World Cup win against Thailand at the tournament. She returned to the Spirit rejuvenated, finding the net against Chicago Red Stars and a big goal in a win over eventual champions North Carolina Courage.
Richie Burke, Washington Spirit manager:
“Even though Mal is still only 21-years-old, she is a consummate professional and a player who is constantly working at aspects of her game. Perhaps the most elegant and balanced player when in flight with the ball at her feet, Mal is also a player who possesses incredible technical ability. Her striking of a dead ball is world-class and her service from wide areas on the run is a real feature of her game. Look for her to have a real spike in her performances in the coming year and I’d predict that she’s going to really get goals at both club and international level, especially if she occupies a more central role in 2020.”
| ⇐ 72. Delphine Cascarino | 40. Mana Iwabuchi ⇒ |
The Offside Rule 