CHICAGO – The 2018 Chicago Red Stars Team Awards voting has been tallied and below are the winners: 

MVP + Golden Boot: Sam Kerr
In her first year with Chicago, Kerr brought a new form of energy to the club, both on and off the field. Just one shy of her career record, Kerr tallied 16 goals in 2018. For the second-consecutive season, the Aussie forward was awarded the NWSL Golden Boot Award, the only player in league history to have coveted the award twice and back to back. Kerr was also on the NWSL Best XI team in back-to-back seasons. 

Iron Women of Character: Alyssa Mautz and Nikki Stanton
For the first time, two players were voted Iron Woman of Character, as both Mautz and Stanton were true examples of what it means to be a part of the Red Stars day in and day out. In her first season with Chicago, Stanton came in and made an immediate impact both on the field and in the locker room. With a glowing personality, Stanton was a huge presence to the team, staff, fans and city of Chicago. Meanwhile, Mautz is the longest tenured player and continues to show her resilience and tackles any obstacle in her way. The midfielder played 23 matches this season and has appeared in 121 matches since 2012. Mautz continues to be a fan favorite and takes the time to make sure every fan in the stands knows what they mean to the team. The two continue to do get out in the Chicagoland community to make the city a better place.  

Defender of the Year: Katie Naughton
Appearing in all but one match this season and playing the most minutes (2059), Naughton led the Red Stars from the centerback position for the third-consecutive year. The defender helped Chicago concede the third-fewest shots on goal (93), while also producing out of the backline, as the Red Stars held the best passing accuracy this season (65%). Naughton also pressured forward on set plays, tallying her first goal of her career.  

Unsung Hero: Danielle Colaprico and Yuki Nagasato
Playing in every match this season, Colaprico led all of Chicago in passing (78%) while managing over 1400 touches to control the midfield. The midfielder also tied second on the team with four assists. Nagasato finished second-best in the league on assists (7), leading the team. The forward also led the attackers with touches (1011), while also making June and July NWSL Team of the Month.   

Goal of the Year: Danielle Colaprico
In the Red Stars first victory of the year, Colaprico notched the lone goal to grab the game winner. It was a poor clearance from newcomers Utah Royals FC, giving the midfielder the opportunity to chest the ball down to strike her own volley outside the 18-yard box. The ball sailed well over goalkeeper Abby Smith.