Reign puts 8 on NWSL Best XXII

Four members of Seattle Reign FC were named to the National Women’s Soccer League Best XI on Thursday: defender Lauren Barnes, midfielders Jess Fishlock and Kim Little, and forward Beverly Yanez.

The Reign will meet FC Kansas City in the league championship game Oct. 1 in Portland. FCKC played two players on the Best XI team: defenders Amy Lepeilbet and Becky Sauerbrunn.

Four other Reign representatives made the NWSL Second XI: defenders Stephanie Cox and Kendall Fletcher, midfielder Keelin Winters, and forward Megan Rapinoe.

Here’s the release from the league:

The National Women's Soccer League announced Thursday the Best XI selections for the 2015 NWSL season.

FC Kansas City and Seattle Reign FC combined for six selections to the squad ahead of their meeting for the second consecutive year in the NWSL Championship Game on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. in a nationally broadcasted match at 9:30 p.m. ET live on FOX Sports 1.

Reign FC led the way with four players on the team, followed by FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC and the Chicago Red Stars with two selections each.

At 23, NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn is the youngest player on the Best XI - 88 days younger than Red Stars defender Julie Johnston.

FC Kansas City defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock each earned their third consecutive Best XI selections, while Seattle midfielder Kim Little was named to the team for the second straight year.

The 2015 NWSL Championship Game featuring FC Kansas City vs. Seattle Reign FC will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 at 9:30 pm ET on FOX Sports 1 at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. Tickets are available for purchase by calling (888) 736-6849 or online at www.portlandthornsfc.com.

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 11:40 AM with the headline "Reign puts 8 on NWSL Best XXII."