Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan Voted 2018 Team Most Valuable Player
Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced its 2018 Team Awards today, officially unveiling its Golden Boot winner and Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year award recipients.
Most Valuable Player – Kailen Sheridan
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan had an historical season in net for Sky Blue FC, finishing the season with a league-record 108 saves (tied-Aubrey Bledsoe, Washington Spirit). A vocal leader both on and off the field, the Canada international made 23 starts in 2018 and played a total of 2,070 minutes.
Sheridan, 23, was the no. 23 overall selection in the 2017 NWSL College Draft out of Clemson University. Over her first two seasons in the NWSL, she has made 55 starts and registered 191 saves.
Most Improved Player – Imani Dorsey
On the same week that she was voted the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year, forward Imani Dorsey adds some more hardware to her trophy case after being voted the 2018 Sky Blue FC Most Improved Player.
Dorsey, 22, was the no. 5 overall selection by Sky Blue FC in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. The Duke University graduate opted to finish up her degree before joining the club full-time and making her professional debut against the Washington Spirit on June 8. Despite playing in just 13 total games during the 2018 season, Dorsey still finished the year with a team-leading four goals (tied with Katie Johnson and Carli Lloyd) while also adding an assist. Her four goals were also the highest total among NWSL rookies this season.
Defensive Player of the Year – Mandy Freeman
Playing in her second NWSL season, defender Mandy Freeman was a vital leader for the Sky Blue FC defensive front in 2018. Making 21 appearances and accumulating 1,826 minutes this past year, the Florida native cleared 65 balls off her back line.
Freeman, 23, was the no. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NWSL College Draft out of the University of Southern California. Over her first two NWSL campaigns, she has remained a constant fixture in the Sky Blue FC Starting XI and has played in 42 matches overall.
Golden Boot – Katie Johnson
Forward Katie Johnson receives the 2018 Sky Blue FC Golden Boot after recording four goals and a pair of assists this past season. Dorsey and midfielder Carli Lloyd also scored four goals in 2018, but the two assists by Johnson serve as the official tiebreaker.
Johnson, 24, arrived at Sky Blue FC this past offseason via a trade with Seattle Reign FC. The Mexico international made 19 appearances for Sky Blue FC in 2018, playing in 1,166 minutes overall.
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