US Soccer and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz has been named 2019 US Soccer Female Player of the year for the second time in her career.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a year that included World Cup success and leading her Chicago Red Stars side to their first Championship Game in the National Women's Soccer League.

She played every minute of Red Stars' regular-season games and both play-offs and was also included in the 2019 NWSL Best XI.

At the World Cup in France she logged six starts and totalled 474 minutes that included scoring a header against Chile in the group stages. This was her second World Cup victory and she was also named on the FIFA FIFAPRO Women's World XI.

“All of my team-mates just had such an amazing year and we all know it takes an entire team to win a World Cup or have a successful club season,” said Ertz.

“We are all a sum of the people around us, so I want to especially thank (my husband) Zach and my family, all my coaches for the national team and the Red Stars, and all my teammates for their never-ending support. It’s emotional to be recognized in this way and it’s a cherry on top of a beautiful 2019. It’s incredible,” she finished.

The accolade is chosen using a combination of votes from national team coaches, national team players who earned caps in 2019, member os the US Soccer Board of Directors, NWSL head coaches, select members of the media, former player and administrators, US Soccer Athletes' Council and select college coaches.