2016 NWSL MVP: Lynn Williams

Flash forward Lynn Williams has been named NWSL Most Valuable Player becoming the fourth Golden Boot winner in as many seasons to take down the league’s top individual award. The second-year player from Pepperdine scored 11 goals and added 5 assists while helping the Flash to a surprise playoff appearance. She scored twice in last Sunday’s semifinal to help the Flash into the NWSL Championship where they will face the Washington Spirit this weekend. She was awarded the Golden Boot over Kealia Ohai who also had 11 goals but finished with fewer assists.

Williams was the sixth overall player taken in the 2015 draft and scored 4 goals and added 4 assists before missing the final two games to undergo knee surgery. After recovering in time to be a full participant in preseason, Williams had a bit of a slow start to the 2016 season. She scored her first goal May 21 against Sky Blue and six days later added two against the Breakers. Williams finished the regular season with goals in three consecutive games, her second such streak in 2016. She also became the first player in NWSL history with multiple assists in consecutive games.

The other MVP finalists were Tobin Heath, Allie Long, Kealia Ohai, and Christen Press.

NWSL Most Valuable Players
2013: Lauren Cheney/Holiday, FC Kansas City
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash