In Zurich, Switzerland Monday, the world governing body for soccer, FIFA, announced the five finalists for the organization’s 2009 Women’s World Player of the Year award, to be handed out at a gala ceremony December 21 in Zurich, as three players who competed in the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer are up for the honor.
First is France’s Cristiane, who plays for the Chicago Red Stars. She was the only person in WPS’ first season to score a hat trick and was fourth overall in the league in goals scored with seven.
Second is Brazil’s Marta, a member of the Los Angeles Sol and one of two three-time winners of the award. She was named the league’s first Michelle Akers Player of the Year winner and league Most Valuable Player. Marta had 10 goals and three assists for the Sol.
The last is England’s Kelly Smith with the Boston Breakers, who finished fifth in the league in goals with six in 15 games. She was also named the league’s Player of the Month for April.
The other players nominated for the award are Germany’s Birgit Prinz, like Marta, a three-time winner of the WPOY award, and Inga Grings.
