Raleigh, NC — Media Day was capped off with the announcement of Samantha Kerr as the NWSL Most Valuable Player for 2019. This is the second time that the Australian was named the league MVP, earning the honor in 2017.
Kerr also took home her second consecutive Golden Boot, scoring 18 goals in a World Cup-abbreviated season. She beat out teammate Yuki Nagasato, as well as North Carolina Courage players Lynn Williams, Debinha, and Kristen Hamilton.
In her remarks after receiving the trophy, Kerr stated that her focus is solely on Sunday’s final against the North Carolina Courage.
“It’s cool to obviously get this and a huge honor, but focus goes to Sunday and then, you know, after the game we can think of these things and reflect on the season, but main focus is Sunday.”
NWSL President Amanda Duffy presented the 2019 League MVP award to Sam Kerr.
When asked how this year’s honor compares to her previous win, she said, “Yeah, I think it does (feel different) because I’m in the finals. And, you know, our team’s got a chance to win the championship. So, the first one I was sitting on my couch probably watching the semi’s when I found out, so it does feel different and it feels a bit better, to be honest, that you can help your team, hopefully, achieve something great.”
Kerr and the Chicago Red Stars take on the defending NWSL champion and NWSL Shield winners the North Carolina Courage this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The match will be televised live on ESPN.
