Nominations are now up! Link to fan ballot is in the news story below: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nat...e-announces-nominees-for-the-2022-nwsl-awards Obviously, Alex Morgan has already won the Golden Boot. For consideration, EQZ has done a whole series about the 5 best players at each position - not just the four main divisions, but all nine or ten field roles. Here's their best XI: https://equalizersoccer.com/2022/10/17/the-equalizers-2022-nwsl-best-xi/
My personal picks: Most Valuable Player, presented by Budweiser: Naomi Girma (SD) - it's very rare for a defender *or* a rookie to be in the discussion for MVP; the sheer fact that Girma is both I think means she more than deserves this award, but Pugh is close though Defender of the Year: Naomi Girma (SD) - see above; not sure if Cook or Brunn should've been on this shortlist Goalkeeper of the Year: Kailen Sheridan (SD) - best of these three; not sure Franch should've been on this shortlist Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally: Naomi Girma (SD) - see above, though honestly this one was tough, because all three shined quite a bit Coach of the Year: Casey Stoney (SD) - taking a completely new team to a top 3 finish and being in Shield position much of the season is no joke. Best XI: Sheridan // Heurta Ball Girma Pickett // Debinha M.Sanchez Pugh // Smith Morgan Salmon - basically the same as the EQZ list except trading out Coffey & Labonta for Sanchez and Salmon. I would've loved to include some of my WAS players in here, but none of them truly shined this year, so I went in giving some love to HOU.
KC is improved all over the pitch, so I'm not sure how much Franch alone helped in that improvement. Don't get me wrong, she's still quite good and definitely helped in KC's improvement - but I think I would've put her at #4 or #5 on the season, not top 3. Would've like to see Haracic as the third GK on the shortlist, and I think Bixby was better than Franch.
First and second XIs announced! The #NWSL Best XI has officially been announced! What do you think? 👀 ⚽ pic.twitter.com/cHQ7S6L2Dr— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) October 25, 2022 We didn't forget about these players who balled out in 2022 💪 Presenting the #NWSL Second XI! pic.twitter.com/EzPb7tY1Lv— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) October 25, 2022
Text version from NWSL: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-announces-winners-of-mastercard-best-xi-awards 2022 NWSL Best XI First Team Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan (SD) Defenders: Alana Cook (RGN), Naomi Girma (SD), Sofia Huerta (RGN), Carson Pickett (NC) Midfielders and Forwards: Sam Coffey (POR), Lo’eau LaBonta (KC), Alex Morgan (SD), Debinha (NC), Mallory Pugh (CHI), Sophia Smith (POR) 2022 NWSL Best XI Second Team Goalkeeper: Adrianna Franch (KC) Defenders: Kelli Hubly (POR), Hailie Mace (KC), Tatumn Milazzo (CHI), Becky Sauerbrunn (POR) Midfielders and Forwards: Kerolin (NC), Jess Fishlock (RGN), Rose Lavelle (RGN), Diana Ordóñez (NC), Megan Rapinoe (RGN), Ebony Salmon (HOU)
Bit odd that NC - no playoffs, 4 best XI picks - while HOU - playoffs+hosting, only one best XI pick (in the second team).