NWSL MVP Tracker 4.0: Evaluating Top Performers in Women’s Soccer

September 18, 2025

The National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season is rapidly drawing to a close, with only six matches remaining before the postseason begins. The competition for the league’s Most Valuable Player award is intensifying, notably after recent developments have altered the landscape of potential candidates.

Key Players Face Setbacks

A notable blow to the MVP conversation came with the season-ending injury sustained by Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda in August. Simultaneously, Alyssa Thompson, widely considered among the league’s premier American talents, completed a transfer from Angel City FC to Chelsea in England during the recent transfer window. These departures have reshaped the dynamics of the race.

The Current Top 10 MVP Candidates

With approximately three-quarters of the regular season completed, the field of contenders is coming into sharper focus. Here’s a ranked look at the frontrunners:

10. Manaka Matsukubo,North Carolina Courage

Manaka Matsukubo has emerged as a bright spot for the North Carolina Courage,ranking fourth in the NWSL in combined goals and assists. Her impressive cutback goal against Angel city showcased her considerable talent.

9. Taylor Flint, Racing Louisville

Taylor Flint continues to be a dominant force in midfield for Racing Louisville, leading the NWSL in interceptions, duels won, and aerial duels. She also excels defensively with a high tackle rate and contributes effectively on the attack.

8. Tara McKeown, Washington Spirit

Tara McKeown’s defensive prowess is a cornerstone of the Washington Spirit’s success, currently the second-highest ranked team in the NWSL. Her performance was particularly noteworthy in a recent scoreless draw against Kansas City, where she spearheaded the defensive effort.She leads the league in blocked shots, ranks second in interceptions and fourth in clearances.

7.Olivia Moultrie, Portland Thorns

Olivia Moultrie consistently leads the NWSL in chances created. Her recent free-kick goal demonstrated her developing skillset and solidified her position as the Thorns’ most dangerous attacker.

6. Kayla Sharples, Kansas City Current

Kayla Sharples is instrumental in Kansas City’s remarkable defensive record, highlighted by an eight-game shutout streak. Alongside goalkeeper Lorena, Sharples anchors a defense that has significantly improved as last season. She is ninth in the league in both shots blocked and clearances.

5. Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave

Kenza Dali continues to be a pivotal player for the San Diego Wave, despite a recent slump in team performance. As one of the league’s more experienced players, she leads the NWSL in touches, passes attempted, and passes completed, while also generating the fifth-most chances.

4. Sam Coffey, Portland Thorns

Sam Coffey is the quintessential two-way midfielder, dictating play from a deep position for the Thorns. Her ability to both ignite attacks and provide stout defense makes her an invaluable asset. She is the heart and soul of her team.

3. Nadia Nadim, Racing Louisville

Nadim leads the league in assist and ranks second in chances created. opposing teams consistently devise strategies to contain her influence.

2. Esther Okoronkwo, Gotham FC

Esther okoronkwo has become a standout performer for Gotham FC, propelling them into contention with 13 goals, exceeding expectations. Her remarkable scoring ability, despite her stature, includes four headed goals, six with her right foot, and three with her left.

1. Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current

Temwa Chawinga is the clear frontrunner for the MVP award. Her 12 goals, combined with her playmaking ability, set her apart. Statistically, her 13.15 expected goals far surpass the next closest contender, Esther, at 8.62 expected goals.Chawinga consistently forces opponents to adjust their tactics to contain her threat.

Honorable Mentions

Other players receiving consideration include Debinha, Ludmila, Riley Tiernan, Lorena, Michelle Cooper, and Emily Sonnett.

Rank	Player	Team	Key Stat
1	Temwa Chawinga	Kansas city current	13.15 Expected Goals
2	Esther Okoronkwo	Gotham FC	13 Goals
3	Nadia Nadim	Racing Louisville	League Leader in Assists

Did You Know? The NWSL is experiencing record-breaking attendance numbers this season, demonstrating the growing popularity of women’s soccer in the United States.

Pro tip: Tracking expected goals (xG) can provide a more nuanced understanding of a player’s offensive contributions than simply looking at goal totals.

Who do you think will ultimately be crowned the NWSL MVP? will Chawinga maintain her lead, or could another player surge ahead in the final weeks of the season?

The NWSL has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting top talent from around the world and developing promising young American players. The league’s commitment to competitive balance and player advancement continues to enhance the quality of play, making it one of the most exciting women’s soccer leagues globally. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and marketing, the NWSL is poised for further expansion and success in the years to come. The award has been given out as 2013 and the highest number of wins by a player is 3 done by Sam Mewis.

Frequently Asked Questions about the NWSL MVP Race

• What is the NWSL MVP award? The NWSL MVP award recognizes the most valuable player in the National Women’s Soccer League, as voted on by players, coaches, and media members.
• Who are the leading contenders for the 2025 NWSL MVP? Currently, Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current is considered the frontrunner, followed closely by Esther Okoronkwo and Nadia Nadim.
• How are NWSL MVP candidates evaluated? Players are evaluated based on their statistical performance, impact on their team’s success, and overall contribution to the league.
• What impact do injuries have on the MVP race? Injuries can significantly alter the MVP race, as demonstrated by Barbra Banda’s season-ending injury, which removed her from contention.
• How does player position influence MVP voting? While goal-scorers ofen receive significant attention, players in defensive positions can also be strong contenders if they demonstrate exceptional impact.
• What is expected goals (xG)? Expected goals is a measure of the quality of a shooting chance based on various factors,such as distance from goal,angle,and type of assist.
• When will the NWSL MVP be announced? The NWSL MVP is typically announced after the conclusion of the regular season, before the start of the playoffs.

Share your thoughts! Who do you predict will win the NWSL MVP award? Leave a comment below!

How might injuries to key players impact the NWSL MVP race?

Current Frontrunners: September 2025

The race for the 2025 NWSL MVP award is heating up as we enter the final stretch of the season. Several players are making compelling cases,showcasing exceptional skill and impact on their teams. This tracker provides a detailed look at the leading contenders, analyzing their statistics, contributions, and overall value. Key factors influencing MVP voting include goals, assists, defensive contributions, leadership, and team success. We’ll focus on players consistently appearing in NWSL standings discussions and those generating meaningful buzz within the women’s soccer community.

Statistical leaders & Key Metrics (as of Sept 18, 2025)

here’s a breakdown of the players currently leading the statistical categories most relevant to MVP consideration:

* goals: Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC) – 18 goals

* Assists: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC) – 10 assists

* Saves (Goalkeepers): Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage) – 85 saves, 7 clean sheets

* Pass Completion Percentage: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC) – 88.2%

* Tackles + Interceptions: Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC) – 78 combined

These raw numbers provide a starting point, but a deeper dive is necesary to understand the context behind them. Such as, a player on a struggling team might accumulate remarkable stats, but their impact on winning isn’t as significant as a player on a top contender.

Player Spotlights: Top MVP Candidates

Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC) – The Goal-Scoring Threat

Smith is arguably the frontrunner. Her 18 goals are a league-leading total, and she consistently delivers clutch performances.Her speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She’s not just a scorer; she also draws fouls and creates opportunities for her teammates.

* Key Stats: 18 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Game-Winning Goals

* Impact: Drives the Thorns’ attack, consistently changes game outcomes.

* LSI Keywords: NWSL Golden Boot, Portland Thorns, USWNT forward

Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC) – The Playmaker & Leader

Morgan’s 10 assists demonstrate her evolution beyond a pure goalscorer. She’s become a masterful playmaker, consistently finding her teammates in dangerous positions.Her experience and leadership are invaluable to the Wave.

* Key Stats: 8 Goals, 10 Assists, 2 Penalty Kicks Made

* Impact: Orchestrates the Wave’s offense, provides a veteran presence.

* LSI Keywords: NWSL assists leader,San Diego Wave FC captain,veteran leadership

Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage) – The Defensive Wall

goalkeepers rarely win MVP awards,but Murphy is making a strong case. Her 85 saves and 7 clean sheets are crucial to the Courage’s success. She consistently makes impressive saves and commands her penalty area with authority.

* Key Stats: 85 Saves, 7 Clean Sheets, 78% save Percentage

* Impact: Keeps the courage competitive, prevents crucial goals.

* LSI Keywords: NWSL goalkeeper of the year, North Carolina Courage defense, shot-stopping ability

Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC) – The Engine in Midfield

DeMelo’s relentless energy and defensive prowess are vital to Racing Louisville. Her combined tackles and interceptions total of 78 highlights her ability to disrupt opposing attacks and win possession. While her offensive stats aren’t as flashy,her impact on the game is undeniable.

* Key Stats: 3 Goals,5 Assists,78 Tackles + Interceptions

* Impact: Controls the midfield,breaks up plays,initiates attacks.

* LSI Keywords: NWSL midfielder, Racing Louisville FC, defensive midfielder

The Importance of Team Success

Historically, the NWSL MVP has almost always come from a team contending for the championship. While individual brilliance is essential, voters often prioritize players who contribute to winning. Currently, the Portland Thorns and San Diego wave are among the top teams in the league, giving Smith and Morgan a significant advantage. The north Carolina Courage,while competitive,may need a stronger overall record for Murphy to seriously contend.

Recent MVP Trends & Historical Data

Looking back at previous NWSL MVP winners reveals some captivating trends:

* Attackers Dominate: The vast majority of MVPs have been forwards or attacking midfielders.

* Statistical Leaders: Winners typically rank among the league leaders in goals, assists, or othre key offensive categories.

* team Performance: As mentioned,playing for a top team is a significant factor.

For example, in 2023, Sophia Smith won the award, leading the league in goals and propelling the Portland Thorns to a strong season. In 2022, Jess Fishlock took home the honor, showcasing her midfield dominance for the OL Reign.

Factors That Could Shift the Landscape

Several factors could influence the MVP race in the coming weeks:

* Injuries: A key injury to any of the frontrunners could