Sam Kerr Wins 2017 NWSL Golden Boot

Sky Blue FC forward Sam Kerr was officially honored on Monday as the winner of the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Golden Boot, which is awarded to the player who scored the most goals during the regular season.

Kerr finished the 2017 campaign with 17 goals in 22 appearances, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single season. The Australia international eclipsed the previous mark of 16 set by Seattle Reign FC midfielder Kim Little in 2014. It should also be noted that none of Kerr's goals were converted penalty kicks.

Kerr's 17th tally came on Saturday night during Sky Blue FC's season finale against the Boston Breakers on the road. The New Jersey club went down 2-0 early in the match, and Kerr converted a class finish in the 34th minute off an assist by Maya Hayes to jump-start the club's eventual 4-3 victory.

The 24-year-old broke multiple records this season during her MVP-caliber performance. Not only does Kerr now hold the NWSL single-season scoring record, but she is also currently the all-time leading scorer with 43 career goals and counting.

The Perth, Australia native also became the first player in NWSL history to score two hat tricks in a single season when she led Sky Blue FC to an unbelievable comeback victory; a 5-4 win over Seattle Reign FC at Yurcak Field. Kerr registered a total of four goals in the second half of that match-up, becoming the first player in NWSL history to score four goals in a single contest.

After finishing the 2017 season with 17 goals and four assists, Kerr became the first player in NWSL history to reach 50 career points, and now sits on 58 points overall. She has registered 43 goals and 15 assists during her tenure in the league.

Every goal scored by Sam Kerr during the 2017 season:

Goal 1: May 13 vs. Houston Dash, 3-1 win | 87′ | Assist: McKenzie Meehan

Goal 2: May 27 vs. Orlando Pride, 2-1 win | 43′ | Assist: Daphne Corboz

Goal 3: June 17 vs. Portland Thorns FC, 3-1 win | 70′ | Assist: Maya Hayes

Goal 4: June 17 vs. Portland Thorns FC, 3-1 win | 88′ | Assist: Madison Tienan

Goal 5: June 28 vs. Orlando Pride, 2-3 loss | 46′ | Assist: Maya Hayes

Goal 6: July 1 vs. North Carolina Courage, 1-0 win | 84′ | Assist: Maya Hayes

Goal 7: July 8 vs. FC Kansas City, 3-2 win | 78′ | Assist: Kelley O’Hara

Goal 8: July 8 vs. FC Kansas City, 3-2 win | 81′ | Assist: Daphne Corboz

Goal 9: July 8 vs. FC Kansas City, 3-2 win | 90′ | Assist: Taylor Lytle

Goal 10: July 15 vs. Chicago Red Stars, 2-2 draw | 90′ | Assist: Sarah Killion

Goal 11: July 22 vs. Seattle Reign FC, 4-5 loss | 76′ | Assist: Daphne Corboz

Goal 12: Aug. 19 vs. Seattle Reign FC, 5-4 win | 48′ | Unassisted

Goal 13: Aug. 19 vs. Seattle Reign FC, 5-4 win | 68′ | Assist: Daphne Corboz

Goal 14: Aug. 19 vs. Seattle Reign FC, 5-4 win | 71′ | Assist: Sarah Killion

Goal 15: Aug. 19 vs. Seattle Reign FC, 5-4 win | 94+’ | Assist: Taylor Lytle

Goal 16: Aug. 26 vs. Boston Breakers, 1-0 win | 5′ | Assist: Nikki Stanton

Goal 17: Sept. 30 vs. Boston Breakers, 4-3 win | 34′ | Assist: Maya Hayes

*Author Note: During my Sky Blue FC 2017 season preview, I made a wild prediction that Sam Kerr would win the Golden Boot this season. At least I got something right.