Ertz and Kerr named to 12-woman shortlist

CHICAGO — On Wednesday FIFA announced their 12-woman shortlist for The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2019 Award, with Chicago Red Stars Sam Kerr and Julie Ertz among the nominees. 

Ertz was an integral part of the U.S. Women’s National Team squad that went on to win their second-consecutive World Cup. She was directly involved in 15 goals last year scoring eight goals and assisting on an additional seven more. One of those goals came in the U.S. WNT second group stage game against Chile after she made her trademarked run to the near post off a corner kick. 

Ertz was also a key player for the Chicago Red Stars. She captained the side to their fourth consecutive NWSL Playoff appearance en route to a spot in the NWSL Best XI for the 2018 season. 

Kerr made history for both club and country in 2018. With her four-goal performance in a World Cup group stage match against Jamaica, the Aussie captain became the first-ever player born outside of the U.S. to score more than three goals in a game. Kerr would score five goals total in the tournament and finished fourth in the Golden Boot race. 

Her scoring ability wasn’t limited to the Matildas, as Kerr reached historic milestones in the NWSL with the Chicago Red Stars. She became the first player in league history to reach 50 goals after scoring a hat-trick last July. Her 16 goals and four assists in 19 games led Kerr to a second-consecutive NWSL Golden Boot Award and a place alongside teammate Ertz in the league’s Best XI for 2018. 

The winner will be revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards show in Milan on September 23. Fans have a say in who the three finalists will be with a fan vote which will be equally weighted alongside the voted of journalists, national team coaches, and captains. You can vote for Ertz and Kerr by clicking here.