Who will claim NWSL’s top awards? Star players vie for MVP, best goalkeeper, and more

The end of the 2024 NWSL season is nigh, and with that, one of the most anticipated times of the year: NWSL Awards. From Most Valuable Player through Midfielder of the Year to Coach of the Year, this year's class represents the best in women's soccer, echoing growth in the league. In 2024, adjustments were added to the voting system, including adding fan voices for the first time, a notch closer in public engagement.

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MVP: Rodman vs. Smith This season, the NWSL Awards offer some more usual suspects for MVP, namely Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith. For all the stats, both players shine for what each has meant to their teams: Smith, a mainstay of attack with the Portland Thorns. Even with her fighting injuries, she wrapped up the season with 12 goals in 20 games and 6 assists, making her one of the best in the league. Her past of consecutive MVPs carries some serious weight as well.

On the other end of the spectrum, Trinity Rodman has been brilliant with her agility on the pitch and unparalleled skill in creating goal-scoring chances. Still only 22, Rodman has won over fans with his maturity and vision, adding him to the list of the youngest contenders for this award. She concluded the season with 8 goals and 6 assists-numbers which easily say a lot about her importance in the Spirit's lineup.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Mandy Haught's Rise at Utah Royals FC

While the goalkeeper position is not always in the limelight, Mandy Haught of Utah Royals FC has had a season that has turned heads. Haught set a franchise record with 84 saves in 24 matches and 8.8 goals prevented, setting the bar high for future seasons. Her call-up to the USWNT and debut clean sheet against Argentina add some heft to her case.

The list is rounded out by Orlando Pride's Anna Moorhouse and Gotham FC's Ann-Katrin Berger. Moorhouse can be considered the most consistent of the lot with several key saves, while Berger has brought experience to Gotham FC and started to become a key player in big games. As competitive as the rest are, it's hard not to give it to Haught after her record-breaking season.

Defender of the Year: Naomi Girma and Tara McKeown Head-to-Head

The backline has proven to be immense this 2024 season, and the leading candidates currently must be Naomi Girma of the San Diego Wave and Tara McKeown of Washington Spirit. Girma has been a steady and precise feature throughout the season for San Diego's defense. Statistically speaking, her interceptions and tackles are good enough to secure her as a candidate.

McKeown, however, made history as one of the "Iron Women" of NWSL after playing all regular-season minutes. This season, McKeown transitioned into a defender from a forward role showing her flexibility and commitment, making her one of the top choices.

Midfielder Of The Year Showcasing Her Skill And Experience

For the first time, the NWSL introduced the Midfielder of the Year award; among the many finalists, none other than soccer legend Marta from Orlando Pride. Regarded for her technical skill and game vision, Marta is still one of the most influential players within the league. Her nomination is more of a tribute to her continued contributions towards the league, in addition to her incredible ability to adapt and shine year after year.

Ashley Sanchez of North Carolina Courage is equally impressive in this regard. In her first season with the Courage, Sanchez topped the Courage team in a host of attacking statistics, including shots and chances created. Having 10 assists to her name, she's helped the Courage firm up their stake in the league. This is representative of what the next generation of American midfielders looks like, and this will make the battle of youth against experience even more interesting.

Rookie of the year: Sentnor and Bethune are the most promising ones

Other notables in the Rookie of the Year category are Utah Royals' Ally Sentnor and Washington Spirit's Croix Bethune. Just 20 years old, Sentnor has been able to prove his talent up front, ending the year with 3 goals and 4 assists. He has slowly but surely worked his way to become a consistent long-range threat, which is an extremely rare talent on players of this age group. His performance in the U-20 World Cup was enough to earn him the Bronze Ball, further underlining his potential.

Meanwhile, Washington Spirit's Croix Bethune was named Rookie of the Month for four months running. Having scored 5 goals and made 10 assists in her rookie season, Bethune equaled the record for most assists in one season. Her dynamic way of playing the game makes her one of the league's most exciting prospects.

The Role of Fans and NWSL Awards' Impact on the League

The NWSL Awards will be more inclusive in 2024, where fans have a say in the final round of voting. This inclusion will further pull fans closer to their favorite players and, in essence, enhance the league's interaction with the general public. Such a variety of categories, ranging from Most Valuable Player to Midfielder of the Year, captures the evolution of the NWSL and its response to the growing interest in women's soccer throughout the U.S.