Breakers Forward Sydney Leroux Earns Spot on NWSL Best XI

On Wednesday, the National Women's Soccer league named its 2013 Best XI, recognizing the league's strongest players at each position.

Breakers forward Sydney Leroux, who represents the youngest player nominated, earned an attacking spot beside Western New York striker Abby Wambach. In 2013, Leroux twice earned NWSL player of the week honors, turning in a pair of multi-goal performances. Her four game-winning goals led Breakers GM Lee Billiard to describe the U.S. International as an "out and out threat."

The announcement served as Leroux's second award in seven days, earning the Golden Boot from Breakers media partners and The Bent Musket last week. Breakers' teammate Lianne Sanderson earned a spot on the NWSL Second XI, joining Thorns attackers Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair.

2013 NWSL Best XI

Goalkeeper

Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City)

Defenders

Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC)

Leigh Ann Robinson (FC Kansas City)

Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)

Brittany Taylor (Western New York Flash)

Midfielders

Lori Chalupny (Chicago Red Stars)

Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC)

Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City)

Diana Matheson (Washington Spirit)

Forwards

Sydney Leroux (Boston Breakers)
Abby Wambach (Western New York Flash)

On Saturday, Best XI representative Abby Wambach will face off with second-team forwards Morgan and Sinclair for the NWSL crown. Match will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2.

More from The Bent Musket:

• Revolution vs. Toronto 2013: Lineups and Live Game Thread Part Three
• United States Announces Roster for September Qualifiers
• The Breakdown: Controversy vs. Philadelphia
• Revs Add Jamaican Defender O'Brian Woodbine
• Revolution Player of the Month, July 2013: Scott Caldwell