NWSL Defender of the Year Candidates

As the playoffs approach, six defenders in the NWSL are emerging as strong contenders for the Defender of the Year award.

Using data from American Soccer Analysis and FotMob, we examined their performance metrics to identify who’s leading the pack.

Considering Gotham’s impressive position in the standings—having conceded just 21 goals—it’s clear that their defensive line is formidable, with Tierna Davidson at the helm.

Davidson’s expected goals against (xGA) is at 30.99, indicating that Gotham has allowed nearly 10 fewer goals during her time on the pitch.

Not only is she hard to beat one-on-one, having been surpassed only four times this season, but she’s also made her mark offensively, scoring twice and providing an assist.

It’s evident that Davidson can win defensive duels effectively and contribute to ball distribution. Her inclusion in the August Best XI reflects her strong performance, especially when Gotham only conceded two goals that month.

On the other hand, Rudd of Washington Spirit is a notable presence too, logging 2,430 minutes this season while scoring three goals and assisting on two more. Her defensive prowess is underscored by 45 interceptions and 24 tackles, which helped the Spirit maintain just 26 goals against and achieve 10 clean sheets.

Her involvement in team build-up is significant, shown by a high touch share of 12.4%. Rudd was also named in the July Best XI after Washington let in only three goals during that time.

With 242 defensive contributions—averaging over nine per 90 minutes—Rudd stands out for her volume and reading of the game, making crucial plays in various defensive situations. One wonders if she could secure the award two years in a row.

Shifting gears to fullback, Sonis has been impressive too, generating an expected assists per 90 minutes (xA p96) of 0.16, notably high among her peers. This statistic signifies potential risk generated from the flanks for her team. She’s netted 12 goals and made six assists in this season’s 26 starts, with an impressive 5.39 xG indicating her performance has exceeded expectations.

Her contributions in both July and August earned her spots in the Best XI for those months.

Wesley from San Diego has played every minute of the 27 matches so far, totaling 2,430 minutes and aiding the team’s defense, which has conceded only 28 goals this season, putting them third in that category. Her stats regarding fouls committed and turnovers showcase her discipline and ball retention skills.

Wesley plays a critical role in leadership and defensive organization on the pitch, making 137 clearances this season, which amounts to approximately 5.07 per 90 minutes. This highlights her commitment to clearing threats rather than simply attempting to win the ball back.

Like Davidson, she has been effective in denying opponents, having only been bypassed nine times. Her strong performances have also earned her sustained call-ups to the USWNT.

Perle Morroni, a left-back, has consistently maintained her form, contributing to San Diego’s sturdy defense. She focuses on regaining possession to thwart opposing attacks early rather than simply clearing the ball, effectively preventing potential counter-attacks.

Morroni’s numbers are compelling, including 72 tackles (2.97 per 90) and 38 interceptions while also winning possession in high-pressure situations—12 times in the final third, totaling 145. This proactive approach underscores her contribution to maintaining the team’s defensive integrity.

Then there’s Del Fava from Utah Royals, who embodies the essence of a traditional defender. She has played every minute this season and consistently proves to be reliable. Defensively, she excels in aerial duels, boasting a 65.4% success rate, having won a total of 126 duels—placing her within the top percentile for her position.

However, her team’s goal concession of 35 against an expected goals against (xG) of 37.68 may hinder her chances for the award. Regardless, Del Fava’s dedication shines through, as she recently received her first call-up to the USWNT, underscoring her role as a key player in Utah’s success this year.