W-League News Release
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced its 2013 All-League Team today, featuring four players who will compete at this weekend’s W-League Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The 2013 W-League All-League Team was selected through a vote of team management.
The Laval Comets, who are the top seed this weekend, had two players chosen with goalkeeper Genevieve Richard and defender Kathryn Acton both honored. Laval features the league’s stingiest defense, allowing only seven goals in 12 games.
Laval’s opponent in Friday’s W-League semifinal, the Carolina Elite Cobras, is represented by defender Blakely Mattern, who recorded two goals and an assist in 10 games for the Southeastern Conference champions. Midfielder Ashley Nick of the Western Conference champion Pali Blues was selected after serving as one of Pali’s offensive catalysts with seven goals in 12 games.
The entire 2013 W-League All-League Team is made up of first-time selections with a trio of W-League rookies comprising the forward line. Kristen Hamilton of the Colorado Rapids Women - who joined Laval with two selections - Shan Jones of the Virginia Beach Piranhas and Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks make up the attacking trio.
The finalists for Coach of the Year, Defender of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player will be announced on Thursday, with the awards presented at the W-League Championship banquet in Bradenton on Saturday. Goalkeeper of the Year will also be presented at the banquet.
2013 All-W-League Team
| Pos. | Player | Team |
| GK | Genevieve Richard | Laval Comets |
| D | Kathryn Acton | Laval Comets |
| D | Danielle Johnson | Bay Area Breeze |
| D | Blakely Mattern | Carolina Elite Cobras |
| D | Brooke Spence | Colorado Rapids Women |
| M | Melissa Busque | Seattle Sounders Women |
| M | Alyscha Mottershead | Ottawa Fury |
| M | Ashley Nick | Pali Blues |
| F | Kristen Hamilton | Colorado Rapids Women |
| F | Shan Jones | Virginia Beach Piranhas |
| F | Savannah Jordan | Atlanta Silverbacks |