Distinction Held for Most Valuable Player of Westfield W-League Season
Sky Blue FC forward Sam Kerr was unavailable to the team last night for its 2017 home opener, but it was for a very legitimate reason. The Perth native was in Australia for the Dolan Warren Awards and was officially announced on Monday as the recipient of the Julie Dolan Medal, a prestigious distinction that is presented to the most valuable player from the 2016-17 Westfield W-League season.
“We are really excited for Sam,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. “She worked so hard over the last year to rehabilitate herself while coming back from a tough injury. We are delighted to see her hard work and success on the field get acknowledged with such a fantastic award.”
Kerr served as team captain for Perth Glory during the 2016-17 W-League campaign, leading her club to a position on top of the table at the conclusion of the regular season. Perth, where Kerr played alongside Sky Blue FC teammate Nikki Stanton, then advanced to the W-League Grand Final before falling to Melbourne City FC, 2-0. On the season, Kerr paced the Perth offense with 10 goals, which was the second-best mark in the league.
Kerr led the Julie Dolan Medal voting with 23 points, winning the illustrious accolade for the first time of her professional career. The Dolan Warren Awards were held as a gala at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on Monday night, and the striker now heads back to New Jersey ahead of Sky Blue FC’s next match this Saturday against the Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Sky Blue FC will next return to Yurcak Field on Saturday, May 20, hosting the Houston Dash in the NWSL Lifetime Game of the Week. Kickoff for that match is slated for 4:00 p.m., and tickets are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).
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