For the second year in a row, Boston College defender Laura Georges is among 20 players nominated for the FIFA World Women's Player of the Year award.
Georges, who has split time between the Eagles and France's women's national team, is considered one of the best defenders in the world. The BC senior played for the Bleues at the 2003 Women's World Cup and 2005 European Championship, but they narrowly failed to return to the World Cup finals, finishing second behind England in UEFA qualifying for China 2007 that finished two weeks ago.
Georges is a little bit embarrassed by all the talk about her being one of the world's best defenders.
''I avoid the topic,'' she told Soccer America. ''Some people congratulate me, and I thank them. I'm really surprised by it all. There are so many great players not on the list. It encourages me in what I'm doing. It shows me that I'm doing good.''
Four former U.S. collegians were also nominated for the 2006 FIFA women's award: Americans Kristine Lilly (North Carolina) and Abby Wambach (Florida), Canadian Christine Sinclair (Portland) and Englishwoman Kelly Smith (Seton Hall).
National team coaches and captains vote on the awards, which will be presented at the 16th FIFA World Player Gala on Dec. 18, at the Zurich Opera House.