2023 National Women's Soccer League season explained
The 2023 National Women's Soccer League season was the eleventh season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the 17th overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. Twelve teams compete in the league.
The NWSL regular season, comprising 22 games for each team, began on March 25 and ended on October 15, 2023. The playoffs followed from October 22 and ended with the championship match on November 11.[1] For the first time, the NWSL Challenge Cup ran entirely concurrent with the regular season from April to September 9, 2023.[1] NJ/NY Gotham FC won their first league championship by defeating OL Reign in the NWSL Championship at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.[2]
Teams, stadiums, and personnel
Stadiums and locations
See also: List of National Women's Soccer League stadiums.
Team | Stadium | Capacity |
---|
Angel City FC | BMO Stadium | 22,000 |
Chicago Red Stars | SeatGeek Stadium | 20,000 |
Houston Dash | Shell Energy Stadium | 7,000 |
Kansas City Current | Children's Mercy Park | 18,467 |
NJ/NY Gotham FC | Red Bull Arena | 25,000 |
North Carolina Courage | Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park | 10,000 |
OL Reign | Lumen Field | 10,000 |
Orlando Pride | Exploria Stadium | 25,500 |
Portland Thorns FC | Providence Park | 25,218 |
Racing Louisville FC | Lynn Family Stadium | 11,700 |
San Diego Wave FC | Snapdragon Stadium | 32,000 |
Washington Spirit | Audi Field | 20,000 | |
Personnel and sponsorship
Note: All teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer as part of a league-wide sponsorship agreement renewed in November 2021.[3]
Coaching changes
Team | Outgoing coach | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Position in table | Incoming coach | Date of appointment | |
---|
NJ/NY Gotham FC | (interim) | End of interim period | October 2, 2022 | Preseason | | November 1, 2022 | [29] |
Orlando Pride | (interim) | End of interim period | October 2, 2022 | Preseason | | November 11, 2022 | [30] |
Washington Spirit | (interim) | End of interim period | October 2, 2022 | Preseason | | November 21, 2022 | [31] |
Houston Dash | (interim) | Resigned | October 28, 2022 | Preseason | | December 21, 2022 | [32] [33] |
Portland Thorns FC | | Resigned | December 2, 2022 | Preseason | | January 9, 2023 | [34] [35] |
Kansas City Current | | Fired | April 19, 2023 | 11th | (interim) | April 19, 2023 | [36] |
Angel City FC | | Fired | June 15, 2023 | 11th | (interim) | June 15, 2023 | [37] |
Houston Dash | | Fired | September 6, 2023 | 10th | (interim) | September 8, 2023 | [38] [39] |
Chicago Red Stars | | Fired | October 10, 2023 | 12th | (interim) | October 10, 2023 | [40] | |
Regular season
Standings
Tiebreakers
The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings is most points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams tie in total points total when determining rank, playoff qualification, and seeding, the NWSL uses the following tiebreaker criteria, going down the list until all teams are ranked.[41]
- Greater goal difference across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
- Most total wins across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
- Most goals scored across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
- Head-to-head results (total points) between the tied teams.
- Head-to-head most goals scored between the tied teams.
- Fewest disciplinary points accumulated across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
- Coin flip (if two teams are tied) or drawing of lots (if three or more teams are tied).
Results
Attendance
See also: National Women's Soccer League attendance.
Average home attendances
Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.
Regular seasonTeam | | | | | |
---|
| 11 | 227,893 | 30,854 | 14,362 | 20,718 |
| 11 | 217,313 | 22,000 | 16,682 | 19,756 |
| 11 | 208,094 | 25,218 | 14,972 | 18,918 |
| 11 | 149,704 | 42,054 | 6,132 | 13,609 |
| 11 | 124,878 | 15,671 | 9,409 | 11,353 |
| 11 | 119,748 | 15,479 | 7,073 | 10,886 |
| 11 | 69,878 | 8,504 | 4,290 | 6,353 |
| 11 | 69,223 | 15,058 | 3,200 | 6,293 |
| 11 | 65,989 | 10,214 | 4,143 | 5,999 |
| 10 | 58,569 | 9,175 | 4,536 | 5,857 |
| 11 | 59,225 | 10,434 | 4,000 | 5,384 |
| 11 | 53,332 | 8,961 | 2,356 | 4,848 |
Total | 131 | 1,423,846 | 42,054 | 2,356 | 10,869 | |
---|
Highest attendances
Regular season[42] Rank | Home team | Score | Away team | Attendance | Date | Stadium |
---|
1 | OL Reign | 0–2 | | 42,054 | | Lumen Field |
2 | | 0–0 | | 34,130 | | Lumen Field |
3 | | 3–2 | | 30,854 | | Snapdragon Stadium |
4 | | 2–0 | | 30,312 | | Snapdragon Stadium |
5 | | 1–2 | | 25,515 | | Snapdragon Stadium |
6 | | 2–0 | | 25,218 | | Providence Park |
7 | | 1–0 | | 24,936 | | Snapdragon Stadium |
8 | | 1–2 | | 22,682 | | Snapdragon Stadium |
9 | | 2–1 | | 22,107 | | Providence Park |
10 | | 1–2 | | 22,000 | | BMO Stadium |
|
Statistical leaders
Top scorers
Top assists
Clean sheets
Hat-tricks
See also: List of NWSL hat-tricks.
Playoffs
The top six teams from the regular season will qualify for the NWSL Championship playoffs, with the top two teams receiving a quarterfinal bye. The playoffs begin with the quarterfinals on October 20, with semifinals scheduled for November 5 and the championship finals match on November 11[1] at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.[46] [47]
Championship
Championship Game MVP: Midge Purce (NJNY)
Challenge Cup
See main article: 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Individual awards
Annual awards
Award | Winner | Nominees[48] | Ref. |
---|
Golden Boot | Sophia Smith (11 G) | Portland Thorns FC | N/A | [49] |
---|
Most Valuable Player | Kerolin | North Carolina Courage | Sam Coffey, POR Debinha, KC Naomi Girma, SD Sophia Smith, POR | [50] |
---|
Defender of the Year | Naomi Girma | San Diego Wave FC | Sarah Gorden, LA Ali Krieger, NJNY Kaleigh Kurtz, NCC Sam Staab, WAS | [51] |
---|
Goalkeeper of the Year | Jane Campbell | Houston Dash | Katie Lund, LOU Kailen Sheridan, SD | [52] |
---|
Rookie of the Year | Jenna Nighswonger | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Messiah Bright, ORL Alyssa Thompson, LA | [53] |
---|
Coach of the Year | Juan Carlos Amorós | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Casey Stoney, SD Becki Tweed, LA | [54] | |
---|
Teams of the Year
Announced November 6, 2023[55]
Best XI
Second XIMonthly awards
Player of the Month
Rookie of the Month
Team of the Month
Weekly awards
Notes and References
- NWSL Announces Full 2023 Season Schedule . National Women's Soccer League. February 8, 2023.
- News: Goff . Steven . Steven Goff . November 11, 2023 . Gotham takes NWSL title after Reign star Megan Rapinoe's farewell is cut short . . November 17, 2023.
- News: NWSL's Nike extension is league's 'most substantial' sponsorship deal to date . November 22, 2021 . August 23, 2022 . SportsPro . Sam . Carp.
- News: Ali Riley’s off-day tour of LA: Chinatown, plenty of food, but definitely no surfing . March 28, 2023 . May 17, 2023.
- News: Carp . Sam . February 19, 2021 . Angel City FC name DoorDash as inaugural shirt sponsor . May 17, 2023 . SportsPro . en-GB.
- 1636062349961441280 . ScoutRipley . Claire Watkins . Chris Petrucelli confirms Alyssa Naeher is the new captain of the Red Stars.
- News: Jones . Rory . April 22, 2022 . Chicago Red Stars’ CIBC kit partnership 'biggest in franchise’s history' . May 17, 2023 . SportsPro . en-GB.
- News: Sarah Lowdon, the Dash's 'bridge' in the coaching room . March 31, 2023 . May 17, 2023 . The Striker . 'When she [Sarah Lowdon] comes into the room, any tension or anything is just nonexistent,' Dash captain Sophie Schmidt told The Striker in May 2023..
- houstondash . Houston Dash . CrgaUngAFa_ . Captain Sophie Schmidt reporting for duty . April 26, 2023.
- Schaffer . Allison . MD Anderson becomes jersey partner of Houston Dash . May 17, 2023 . 2020 . MD Anderson Cancer Center . en.
- News: Immediate aftermath of Potter firing: KC team shocked but go on to win first game of 2023 . April 20, 2023 . May 17, 2023 . The Equalizer . Dan . Lauletta.
- News: KC NWSL lands partnership with big KC player . May 17, 2023 . September 29, 2021 . Kansas City Business Journal.
- Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC star Ali Krieger to retire after 2023 season. Joey . Chandler . . March 23, 2023.
- News: March 7, 2022 . Gotham FC Adds Algorand as Blockchain and NFT Partner . Andrew . Cohen . May 17, 2023 . . en.
- February 10, 2023 . Our New Captain . Video . . YouTube.
- Courage and Merz Aesthetics expand partnership . January 30, 2023 . May 17, 2023 . North Carolina Courage.
- Web site: OL Reign Re-Signs Captain Lu Barnes Through 2024 Season. January 10, 2023 . May 17, 2023 . OL Reign.
- Web site: Voght . Steve . April 14, 2021 . OL Reign unveil new kits featuring Black Future Co-op Fund on front . May 17, 2023 . Sounder At Heart . en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210415025824/https://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2021/4/14/22384430/ol-reign-2021-new-kits-black-future-co-op-fund-boeing. 2021-04-15. dead.
- After long road back from injury, grateful Marta excited to return to field with Orlando Pride . . May 17, 2023 . March 25, 2023 . Austin . David . en.
- Orlando Pride Unveils 2022-23 Luna Kit Presented by Orlando Health . . May 17, 2023 . April 21, 2022 . en.
- News: November 1, 2022 . Christine Sinclair to play another season with NWSL champion Portland Thorns . . . May 17, 2023.
- News: October 14, 2022 . NWSL Playoffs gives brand exposure to a number of league, team partners . May 17, 2023 . . en.
- Jaelin Howell named Racing captain . March 24, 2023 . April 17, 2023 . Racing Louisville FC.
- News: October 6, 2022 . Racing Louisville FC responds to allegations against Christy Holly in NWSL investigation . May 17, 2023 . . . Brooks . Holton . en-US.
- News: Velasco . Francisco . March 25, 2023 . Huge 2023 season ahead for Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave . May 17, 2023 . en-US.
- Web site: Steph . Insixiengmay . March 15, 2022 . Wave FC unveil Kaiser Permanente as 1st health partner and sponsor . May 17, 2023 . LAG Confidential . en.
- News: Why 2023 could be a big year for Aubrey Kingsbury . March 30, 2023 . . Kim . McCauley.
- Washington Spirit Unveils New Kit and Crest Colors for 2023 Season . . March 1, 2023.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach. November 1, 2022. NJ/NY Gotham FC.
- Orlando Pride announces promotion of Seb Hines to Head Coach. Orlando City SC. November 11, 2022 . April 17, 2023.
- Washington Spirit Names Mark Parsons New Head Coach. Sam. Pittman. November 21, 2022.
- Houston Dash . Houston Dash . HoustonDash . 1586096901493239808 . October 28, 2022 . Thanks @JuanC_Amoros for his energy and passion in serving as our interim head coach since July. Juan Carlos has elected to pursue other opportunities and the team will begin the search for a new head coach immediately. https://t.co/UJOx3HTESs . en . December 2, 2022.
- Houston Dash name Sam Laity as head coach . December 21, 2022 . July 17, 2023 . Houston Dynamo FC.
- Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson to resign. Portland Timbers. December 2, 2022 . April 17, 2023.
- Assistant coach Mike Norris appointed Thorns FC head coach. Portland Timbers. January 9, 2023. April 17, 2023.
- News: Kansas City Current fire head coach Matt Potter . The Equalizer . April 19, 2023 . July 17, 2023 . Jeff . Kassouf.
- Angel City FC Parts Ways with Freya Coombe . Angel City FC . June 14, 2023 . July 17, 2023.
- Web site: Houston Dash part ways with head coach | Houston Dynamo. Houston Dynamo. FC. Houston Dynamo FC.
- Web site: Houston Dash name Sarah Lowdon interim head coach | Houston Dynamo. Houston Dynamo. FC. Houston Dynamo FC.
- Web site: Chicago Red Stars part ways with coach Chris Petrucelli days before NWSL season ends. Jason. Anderson. USA TODAY.
- Web site: 2023 Competition Rules & Regulations . . April 17, 2023.
- Web site: NWSL Schedule. National Women's Soccer League. July 7, 2023.
- Sophia Smith's hat trick propels Portland over Kansas City . April 1, 2023 . July 9, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- North Carolina topples Chicago in 5-0 away thrashing . June 10, 2023 . July 9, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Thorns go top with thrilling 4-2 win over Washington . June 24, 2023 . July 9, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- National Women's Soccer League Announces San Diego Wave FC as Host of 2023 NWSL Championship, Presented by Bud Light . July 19, 2023 . July 19, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- National Women's Soccer League Announces Schedule for 2023 NWSL Playoffs, Presented by Bud Light . October 15, 2023 . October 16, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Web site: National Women’s Soccer League Announces 2023 NWSL Award Finalists, Opens Final Voting Round . www.nwslsoccer.com . October 24, 2023.
- Web site: October 16, 2023 . Portland Thorns FC Forward Sophia Smith Wins 2023 NWSL Golden Boot . National Women's Soccer League.
- Web site: November 10, 2023 . North Carolina Courage Attacker Kerolin Named 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player Presented by Bud Light . November 10, 2023 . NWSL Soccer.
- Web site: November 8, 2023 . San Diego Wave FC Centerback Naomi Girma Named 2023 NWSL Defender of the Year . November 8, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Web site: November 8, 2023 . Houston Dash Keeper Jane Campbell Named 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year . November 8, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC Midfielder/Defender Jenna Nighswonger Named 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, Presented by Ally. www.nwslsoccer.com.
- Web site: November 7, 2023 . NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Juan Carlos Amorós Named 2023 NWSL Coach of the Year . November 8, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- News: November 6, 2023 . NWSL Announces Winners of 2023 Mastercard Best XI Awards . November 6, 2023.
- Portland Thorns FC Striker Sophia Smith Named March/April Player of the Month, Presented by EA SPORTS . . May 4, 2023 . May 4, 2023.
- Racing Louisville FC Midfielder Savannah DeMelo Named May Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports . . June 6, 2023 . June 6, 2023.
- Portland Thorns FC Forward Sophia Smith Named June Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Angel City FC Midfielder Savannah McCaskill Named July Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports . August 3, 2023 . August 3, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Orlando Pride Forward Messiah Bright Named August Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports and August Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally Financial. September 1, 2023 . September 1, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Angel City FC Midfielder Savannah McCaskill Named September/October Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports. October 19, 2023 . October 19, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Angel City FC Forward Alyssa Thompson Named March/April Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally . . May 4, 2023 . May 4, 2023.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Defender/Midfielder Jenna Nighswonger Named May Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally . . June 6, 2023 . June 6, 2023.
- Washington Spirit Midfielder Paige Metayer Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally . July 6, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC's Jenna Nighswonger Named July Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally . August 3, 2023 . August 3, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- Kansas City Current Forward Alexa Spaanstra Named September/October Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally . October 19, 2023 . October 19, 2023 . National Women's Soccer League.
- National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . May 3, 2023 . May 3, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League Announces May Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . June 5, 2023. June 5, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League Announces June Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . July 5, 2023 . July 5, 2023.
- National Women’s Soccer League Announces July Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . October 17, 2023 . August 2, 2023.
- National Women’s Soccer League Announces August Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . October 17, 2023 . August 31, 2023.
- National Women’s Soccer League Announces September/October Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard . . October 18, 2023 . October 18, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1640800220329164800 . March 28, 2023 . Don't call it a comeback, she's been here for years . en . March 28, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1644060692620640257 . April 6, 2023 . The Hat Trick . en . April 14, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1648742358568009751 . April 19, 2023 . Tullis-Joyce is a beast.. en . April 19, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1650509197027491844 . April 25, 2023 . Time for the @budlight Player of the Week poll . en . April 25, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1651278718894047232 . April 25, 2023 . Not one, but two saves on the play *in the rain* earn @abbyys44 Save of the Week honors! . en . April 25, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1653517555355533316 . May 2, 2023 . It had to be Debinha. . en . May 2, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1653522474846306306 . May 2, 2023 . It's time for Save of the Week! Let's see those votes️ . en . May 3, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1656024583428874269 . May 9, 2023 . WARNING ⚠️ Do not leave Crystal Dunn unmarked in the box . en . May 13, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1656412637893128194 . May 10, 2023 . We think you dropped this Katie Lund Save of the Week Winner ✅ . en . May 13, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1658599870960136193 . May 16, 2023 . In safe hands . en . May 21, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1659209359388442626 . May 18, 2023 . Your Save of the Week! . en . May 21, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1661111751083958294 . May 23, 2023 . GOTHAM RACKING 'EM UP . en . May 24, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1661152989133045762 . May 23, 2023 . A new @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week poll! . en . May 24, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1664019984069316609 . May 31, 2023 . Vamos @bruninhaia_ . en . May 31, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1663957299751157771 . May 31, 2023 . We've got some record breakers and game savers on the ballot for this week's @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week! . en . May 31, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1666622473855483905 . June 8, 2023 . After 311 days away from the pitch, @sydneyleroux scores in her first game back! . en . June 8, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1666619036703117312 . June 7, 2023 . Unbelievable stops . en . June 7, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1669023544758640640 . June 14, 2023 . Kerolin gets her hat trick and @budlight Player of the Week nod . en . June 18, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1668712030361075715 . June 13, 2023 . Let's hear it for the keepers️ . en . June 18, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1671683105126490113 . June 21, 2023 . Tara McKeown really DOES IT ALL! . en . June 21, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1671647715267149829 . June 21, 2023 . Four amazing saves but only one can be @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week! . en . June 21, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1673810143950110722 . June 27, 2023 . June 27, 2023 . Go off, Soph! . en.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1674424898750656518 . June 29, 2023 . Can't stop thinking about this @phallon91 save . en . June 29, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1675879116669632512 . July 3, 2023 . July 4, 2023 . Say hello to your @budlight Player of the Week nominees ⤵️ . en.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1675915582254854148 . July 3, 2023 . Get your votes ready! . en . July 3, 2023.
- National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1678943251200450561 . July 12, 2023 . What are you waiting for?! . en . July 12, 2023.