National Women’s Soccer League Press Release CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2016) – Western New York Flash forward Lynn Williams was voted the National Women’s Soccer League Most Valuable Player for the 2016 NWSL season, the league announced Thursday. Williams, 23, is the fourth consecutive NWSL Golden Boot winner to go on to win the MVP award […]

National Women’s Soccer League Press Release

CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2016) – Western New York Flash forward Lynn Williams was voted the National Women’s Soccer League Most Valuable Player for the 2016 NWSL season, the league announced Thursday.

Williams, 23, is the fourth consecutive NWSL Golden Boot winner to go on to win the MVP award – joining FC Kansas City’s Lauren Holiday in 2013, Seattle Reign FC’s Kim Little in 2014 and the Washington Spirit’s Crystal Dunn in 2015. The Fresno, Calif. native concluded the 2016 season with 11 goals in 19 appearances as she tied with Houston Dash forward Kealia Ohai for the most goals in the league, but won the golden boot based on her five assists as opposed to Ohai’s four on the year. The Pepperdine University product featured for 1,670 minutes this season as she led the league in shots (70), ranked second in shots on goal (34) and tied for fourth in assists (5). Seven of her 11 goals came in the second half of games this year – including a dramatic game-tying goal in the 93rd minute July 30 against the Houston Dash to earn a 3-3 draw. Williams led one of the best offenses in league history as the Flash scored 40 goals in 20 games to become just the third team in NWSL history to average 2.00 or more goals per game. She scored two goals in a game on two separate occasions during the regular season – May 27 in a 4-0 victory over the Boston Breakers and June 24 in a 7-1 win also over the Breakers. On Sunday, she scored two goals in extra time in her NWSL Playoffs debut to lead the Flash to a 4-3 victory in extra time over 2016 NWSL Shield winners Portland Thorns FC. List of NWSL Most Valuable Player winners:

Williams and the Western New York Flash face the Washington Spirit in the 2016 NWSL Championship Game on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. ET at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston in a match broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.The NWSL awards are voted on by club officials, players, media that cover the league on a consistent basis and fans.