PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 15: Portland Thorns win over the Orlando Pride 2-0 at Providence Park on April 15th, 2017 (Photo by Diego Diaz/Porst Amerika).
With a speedy Chicago maneuvering through Portland’s back-line, Adrianna Franch stood out as she battled to maintain the shutout for Portland. Up until the final whistle, she showed strength and stamina, saving five serious shots on goal and coming up big during several close calls in front of net. Franch came away with Player of the Match, while demonstrating perfectly how a Prost Iron Woman plays.
Hailing from Salina, Kansas Franch spent her senior soccer season out with a knee injury before heading to Oklahoma State University. After four years at OSU she left with a myriad of accolades that include being a three time All-American and being named All-Big Twelve First Team four years running. Drafted to the Western New York Flash in 2013, Franch suffered a season ending ACL tear in 2014. After another incredible recovery, Franch played in Norway before coming back to the NWSL in 2016 to play for the Portland Thorns.
A Prost to Adrianna Franch!
The Prost Eisen Frauen (Iron Women) award is given by Prost Amerika to “the toughest women on the field” each week. Not just for a spectacular goal or incredible save, it’s in recognition of a game’s worth of work. The athlete chosen is one that impacts the match through their dedication to winning every play. Each week five athletes (one from each of the games played) will be up for nomination.
The award is voted on by the writers/photographers of Prost Amerika who cover the NWSL, as well as the Supporter Groups of each team.
Voting was open to the following writers/photographers and Supporter Groups:
Dan McCooey: Editor – Seattle Reign FC
Jeff Lageson: Writer – Seattle Reign FC
Vanya Tucherov: Photographer – Seattle Reign FC
Gwyn Defriez: Writer – Thorns FC/ Culture Writer Women’s Soccer
Kim Racon: Writer/Photographer – Sky Blue FC
Christopher Parker: Writer/Photographer – Sky Blue FC
Kari Heistad: Photographer – Boston Breakers
Alex Dolan: Photographer – Boston Breakers
Brian O’Connell: Contributor from NE Soccer – Boston Breakers.
Dan Gaichias: Contributor from Windy City Soccer – Chicago Red Stars.
Rusty Silber: Contributor from Windy City Soccer – Chicago Red Stars.
Don MacGregor: Contributor from Windy City Soccer – Chicago Red Stars
Jackie Gutierrez: Writer – FC Kansas City/NC Courage
Jose Castellanos: Writer – Houston Dash
Jarrett East: Writer – Orlando Pride
Asif Burhan – International Correspondent Women’s Soccer
Sean Maslin: Editor/Writer – Washington Spirit
Megan Cleary: Senior Editor Women’s Soccer Coverage
Chicago Local 134: Originally founded in 2009, Chicago Local 134 is a group of women’s soccer fans that is committed to building a community of supporters for the Chicago Red Stars.
Cloud 9: Founded in 2013, it is the official supporters group of Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. We stand, sing, cheer and support our team for 90+minutes, every game.
The Crown: Established in 2016 to support the Orlando Pride. Our goal is to create a culture that is supportive of Orlando Pride in a family, friendly environment, while also supporting the Orlando community through numerous charitable and social activities.
KC Blue Crew: Established in 2012, the KC Blue Crew is an independent supporters group for FC Kansas City.
Boston Armada: The Armada is the official supporters group of the Boston Breakers.
Washington Spirit: We’re a supporters group for the Washington Spirit, and we bring the spirit to DC.
Royal Guard: The Royal Guard SG is the first official supporters group of Seattle’s pro National Women’s Soccer League team, Seattle Reign FC. Founded shortly after our beloved team, in 2013, our goal is to fully support this team, this city, and the surrounding region.
Rose City Riveters: In our third season supporting the Portland Thorns, the group now known as the Rose City Riveters is the preeminent supporters group for women’s professional soccer anywhere in the world.
Bayou City Republic: Working hard to promote the Houston Dash & bring together passionate NWSL fans.
Oak City Supporters: Independent Supporters Group of North Carolina FC.
Triangle Soccer Fanatics: Independent supporters club of soccer in the Triangle.
