Emily Menges (right) enjoyed another outstanding season for Portland. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
Portland Thorns defender Emily Menges has been named to the NWSL Second XI.
The Garden City, N.Y. native played in 23 matches (all starts), logging 2,063 minutes in her fourth season with Portland this National Women’s Soccer League season.
The former Albertson Fury standout was part of a backline that allowed a league-low 20 goals and posted 0.83 goals-against average during the regular season, equaling the mark for the best goals-against average (0.83) in a season in NWSL history, while also registering 11 clean sheets.
Menges, 25, finished the regular season ranked second in interceptions (70), recoveries (149) and fourth in clearances (104) among defenders.
Last season Menges was named to the NWSL Best XI.
Portland plays the North Carolina Courage for the NWSL crown in Orlando, Fla. Saturday.
2017 NWSL Second XI
Position | Player | Club | Country | Note |
Goalkeeper | Katelyn Rowland | North Carolina Courage | USA | 39 saves, 8 shutouts |
Defender | Steph Catley | Orlando Pride | Australia | 2,032 minutes |
Defender | Abby Erceg | North Carolina Courage | New Zealand | Goal, 2 assists |
Defender | Meghan Klingenberg | Portland Thorns FC | USA | 6 assists |
Defender | Emily Menges | Portland Thorns FC | USA | 2,063 minutes |
Midfielder | Danielle Colaprico | Chicago Red Stars | USA | 1,903 minutes |
Midfielder | Julie Ertz | Chicago Red Stars | USA | 4 goals, 3 assists |
Midfielder | Lindsey Horan | Portland Thorns FC | USA | 4 goals, 2 assists |
Midfielder | Sofia Huerta | Chicago Red Stars | USA | 6 goals, 4 assists |
Forward | Alex Morgan | Orlando Pride | USA | 9 goals, 4 assists |
Forward | Megan Rapinoe | Seattle Reign FC | USA | 12 goals, assist |