NWSL Awards: Temwa Chawinga Named MVP as Transfer Buzz Kicks Off!
By Jeff Kassouf – Nov 12, 2025, 08:20 AM ET
As the NWSL awards season approaches, controversy abounds. Recently, United States defender Becky Sauerbrunn publicly distanced herself from her title as Defender of the Year due to irregular voting practices—an odd situation happened not once but twice!
With the 2025 awards, we’re witnessing the return of glaring omissions, particularly as some MVP hopefuls were left off the shortlist for their respective categories. It feels reminiscent of a dramatic election moment that raises questions about how voting integrity is maintained.
Debates around the winners in each category are expected, and presenting an argument for one player does not diminish another’s achievements; however, some shocking exclusions are reigniting discussions about the voting process. Let’s dive into the ballots and present votes for MVP, including the best midfielder, defender, goalkeeper, rookie, and coach.
The official announcements of the winners will take place during the NWSL Award Show on November 19 in San Jose, California, starting at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN2. Until then, here’s our take on the candidates.
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– USWNT Update: Injuries to Girma and Rodman cloud 2027 World Cup prospects.
– Analysis by Kassouf: Why are USWNT players leaving the NWSL for Europe?
MVP: Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current
Unquestionably, Temwa Chawinga is the deserving recipient of this year’s MVP award. Despite the competitive field, she solidified her status well before the season’s end (insiders of our MVP tracker were well aware).
Examine Kansas City’s struggles in their quarterfinal clash against Gotham FC, particularly the void left by Chawinga’s absence. Without her, they found it challenging to establish their gameplay, especially with key players like Michelle Cooper also missing and Bia Zaneratto playing through injury.
Chawinga claimed her second consecutive NWSL Golden Boot, netting 15 goals this season, marking her influence on the game uniquely unmatchable. Her playing style evolved, showcasing more maturity and precision, making her a central figure in every attack.
While Esther González’s contributions to Gotham cannot be underestimated, it’s clear that impactful players like Chawinga change the dynamics of both their teams and their opponents, similar to previous stars of the league.
Additional nominees: Esther Gonzalez, Sam Coffey, Kenza Dali, Delphine Cascarino
Midfielder of the Year: Sam Coffey, Portland Thorns
Voters must be questioned—how was Sam Coffey, a globally acclaimed defensive midfielder, excluded from the official finalist list? Similarly, Racing Louisville’s Taylor Flint was also grievously overlooked despite leading in several key defensive metrics.
Coffey, pivotal in the Thorns’ pursuit of a historic fourth championship, is irreplaceable on the pitch, commanding control from midfield and driving the team’s success. Her contributions enabled her team to navigate early-season uncertainties, showcasing both defensive tenacity and playmaking quality.
Jaelin Howell, another midfield talent, is worthy of mention as well; she, like others, was often deployed in forward positions, potentially diminishing her candidacy for this award.
Coffey’s absence from the official list is bewildering—her impact is undeniable and should be recognized.
Additional nominees: Kenza Dali, Taylor Flint, Olivia Moultrie, Jaelin Howell
Defender of the Year: Kayla Sharples, Kansas City Current
Kansas City set a new NWSL standard, allowing only 13 goals throughout their extraordinary season. Due to their defensive unity, attributing this feat to one player is difficult; however, Sharples stood out consistently in achieving such lows in goals conceded.
Sharples’ performance this season remained steady, overcoming challenges including injury setbacks to her fellow defenders. Her role was pivotal amidst Kansas City’s defensive excellence, earning her acclaim even from USWNT selectors contemplating her potential inclusion in the national squad.
Next to her, Izzy Rodriguez made a solid argument for consideration, particularly as she tied for the league lead in assists.
Additional nominees: Tara McKeown, Emily Sonnett, Avery Patterson
Goalkeeper of the Year: Claudia Dickey, Seattle Reign FC
This award presented a challenging choice, given the remarkable performances from numerous keepers this season. Kansas City’s Lorena made significant contributions defensively; however, Dickey’s individual statistics stand out remarkably.
Dickey topped the league charts with 91 saves, preventing a league-leading 13.54 goals—a statistic that underscores her vital role in Seattle’s success. Her athleticism and crucial saves will likely propel her into discussions for the USWNT’s starting lineup.
Additional nominees: Lorena, Aubrey Kingsbury
Rookie of the Year: Lilly Reale, Gotham FC
This season has seen numerous promising newcomers, yet Lilly Reale has emerged as a standout. Known for her consistent presence and impressive performance in her debut season, including four caps with the USWNT, Reale has been critical to Gotham’s defense, which ranks among the league’s best.
Her capability as a left-sided defender not only shows off her prowess in defensive play but also hints at her attacking potential as she delivers quality crosses into the box.
Additional notable rookies include Riley Tiernan, who had an impressive scoring record, and Trinity Armstrong, another young defender making her mark.
Additional nominees: Riley Tiernan, Trinity Armstrong
Coach of the Year: Vlatko Andonovski, Kansas City Current
Critics often point out that the Current possessed considerable talent, but coaching is crucial in shaping and managing such talent. Andonovski effectively guided his team through the challenges of a demanding NWSL season.
The Current’s historic performance, filled with depth and tactical mastery, signifies effective leadership. While other teams struggled to replicate their successes, Andonovski’s strategy ensured Kansas City remained a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.
Additional nominees: Adrian Gonzalez, Bev Yanez
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