Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune was named the National Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Year on Tuesday after a record-setting season that was ultimately cut short by a knee injury.
The Georgia product recorded five goals and 10 assists in 17 appearances for the Spirit. Had she not missed the final nine matches with a torn meniscus she suffered while throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for the Washington Nationals, Bethune likely would’ve been in the MVP conversation.
“We weren’t surprised,” Spirit superstar Trinity Rodman said of her teammate’s award. “We were extremely happy for her; she’s worked so hard. Kudos to her; to get rookie of the year [after] getting injured halfway through the year is kind of insane.”
Despite missing the season’s last two months, Bethune still led the NWSL with a league-record 10 assists. The third pick in this year’s draft was also named to the league’s Best XI First Team as one of the Top 11 players.
It was a whirlwind summer for Bethune, who also made her first Olympic appearance with the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s national team in Paris.
“It’s been a lot,” the 23-year-old told The Washington Times in October. “Honestly, I can say it’s been a great year. Although the injury sucks, I’ve had a lot of goals that I’ve set and achieved. This injury sucks, but it’s helping me realize how grateful I am.”
The Spirit will play for the NWSL championship without Bethune on Saturday against the Orlando Pride.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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