As the NWSL gears up to restart play after a monthlong break, it’s time for some mid-season award predictions! We’ve seen quite some defensive performances so far this year, but who’s leading the pack?
Kate Del Fava
The Utah Royals have had a massive season so far and sit in third place in goals allowed while having played one more game than the teams in first and second. The ringleader of this defense has been ironwoman Kate Del Fava, who has played every possible minute for the club since the Royals rejoined
the league in 2024. Del Fava has the highest average performance rating of any defender on both Fotmob and Sofascore, and for good reason. She has one of the highest duel success rates among defenders and she ranks in the top five in blocks and interceptions.
Kennedy Wesley
The San Diego Wave entered the break at the top of the table, and their defense was a huge contributor to that—although they haven’t conceded the fewest goals in the league, they’ve allowed the least xG from their opponents. Recent USWNT phenom Kennedy Wesley has been the key cog in this machine. Wesley works hard all over the field, with the most passes and the most touches of all defenders. The center back also ranks high in blocks and duel success rate.
Jess Carter
The defense of the hour is Gotham FC, who have conceded five goals through 11 games, a new league record. Jess Carter has been the most consistent piece of this back line with starts in all 11 of those matches. Playing as a center back, Carter has been instrumental to Gotham’s defense and distribution. In addition to winning a lot of tackles and intercepting a lot of passes, she has also completed one of the highest numbers of successful passes and accurate long balls, proving to be an instrumental Swiss army knife of a defender who fits well into Gotham’s system and can help the team in a myriad of ways.
Avery Patterson
Avery Patterson’s third season in the NWSL has had her once again establish herself as one of the best fullbacks in the league. She doesn’t have a goal contribution yet, but her 1.55 expected assists and 0.81 expected goals suggest they’re coming. Her real strength is her ability to dribble past opponents on the right side and carry the ball forward. She’s attempted the most dribbles of any defender by far and has one of the highest success rates. She also shines in pretty much every defensive category, having won a large amount of tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries, and possession in the final third so far this season.
Janine Sonis
Janine Sonis started off her career as a forward, but has taken the transition to defender in stride. As a fullback for the Denver Summit, she’s excelled in both her defensive and offensive responsibilities. On the defensive end, she’s put in the work on interceptions and ball recoveries. On the attacking side, she has the most goal contributions of any outside back, with four goals and one assist to her name in Denver Summit’s still-young inaugural season.
