NWSL Goalkeeper of the year: Midseason predictions

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 29: Abby Smith #1 of Denver Summit FC leads the team huddle prior to the NWSL match between Racing Louisville FC and Denver Summit FC at Lynn Family Stadium on May 29, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images The se

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The second part of the NWSL season is fast approaching, so it’s time for some midseason predictions. Up next is goalkeeper of the year — who’s in the lead so far?

Abby Smith

Denver Summit’s goalkeeper is tied for the most goals prevented in the NWSL this season with 5.1. What this means is that based on the quality of the shots she’s faced, she’s conceded 5.1 fewer goals than expected. Her team would have let in 39.2 percent more goals this season without her heroics in goal. Smith has already won one Save of the Week

award this year and at the rate she’s going, she will likely win a few more before the season wraps up.

Jane Campbell

Smith is tied in goals prevented with Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who has prevented as many goals while being pelted with 28 more shots over the course of 12 games. Campbell has made the most saves in the league, with 42, and has been the primary contributor to her team’s defense.

Ann-Katrin Berger

Gotham FC’s goalkeeper breaks her own record each week for the number of clean sheets through the number of games she’s played. She entered the break at the top of the table with seven clean sheets to her name, as well as the highest save percentage with 82.1 percent of shots on target she faces not finding the back of the net. Berger also contributes to her team through her distribution of the ball, completing the most successful long passes of any goalkeeper in the league this season.

Mackenzie Arnold

Portland Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold boasts the second-highest save percentage in the league, preventing 78.4 percent of shots on target from turning into goals. She’s also made the second-most saves, with 40. Her 5.0 goals prevented have led to five clean sheets in league play, keeping her team near the top of the NWSL table.

Claudia Dickey

The USWNT’s #1 keeper continues to earn her spot with her club performance this season. In addition to being an excellent shot-stopper, she’s played a big role with her feet, attempting and completing more passes than any other goalkeeper in the NWSL.