Carli Lloyd Named 2015 US Women's National Team Player of the Year

While much of the attention regarding the United States Women’s National Soccer Team was focused on Abby Wambach on Wednesday as she played the final game of her legendary career, teammate and World Cup hero Carli Lloyd was reportedly named the 2015 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

According to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated, the midfielder was honored Wednesday after an impressive season that saw her score 18 goals, assist on five more and take home the Golden Ball (best player) and the Silver Boot (second-leading scorer) awards during her team’s World Cup victory.   

The U.S. women’s team congratulated its leader on Twitter: 

Lloyd earned international fame at the World Cup when she became the first player in the event’s history to score in four consecutive knockout games. She also tallied a hat trick in the opening 16 minutes of the championship game against Japan that included a strike from midfield that essentially ended any doubt of the outcome. 

Paul Carr of ESPN Stats & Info put Lloyd’s accomplishment into historical perspective:

Lloyd commented on the recognition in a news release, per Thomas Floyd of Goal.com:

"

It an absolute honor to be named the U.S. Soccer player of the Year, but when you look at the players nominated this year, it’s obvious that all of them were deserving of the award. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, but more so everyone who supported the team this year, especially at the World Cup, as playing in front of those crowds in Canada was a special experience for all of us.

Of course, I’m so thankful to my amazing teammates and coaches. We all know any individual award is a product of the team and I’m so proud of how everyone stepped up this year. It took all 23 players and support staff to win the World Cup and it was just fantastic to be a part of it all. 

"

Woo noted Lloyd won the award over teammates Hope Solo, Lauren Holiday, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn.