2023_NWSL_Championship

2023 National Women's Soccer League season

2023 National Women's Soccer League season

11th season of the National Women's Soccer League

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.

Quick Facts Season, Dates ...

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
More information Team, Stadium ...
  1. Shell Energy Stadium has a capacity of 22,039, but the maximum capacity for Dash games is restricted to 7,000.[citation needed]
  2. Lumen Field has a capacity of 68,740; standard configuration for Reign games seats 10,000 but can expand based on demand for individual games.[3]
  3. Seated capacity; full capacity with standing room is 15,304.[4]
Locations of the National Women's Soccer League teams in 2023.

Personnel and sponsorship

Note: All teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer as part of a league-wide sponsorship agreement renewed in November 2021.[5]

More information Team, Head coach ...

Coaching changes

More information Team, Outgoing coach ...

    Regular season

    Standings

    More information Pos, Pld ...
    Source: NWSL
    Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
    (C) Champions; (S) NWSL Shield

    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.[43]

    1. Greater goal difference across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
    2. Most total wins across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
    3. Most goals scored across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
    4. Head-to-head results (total points) between the tied teams.
    5. Head-to-head most goals scored between the tied teams.
    6. Fewest disciplinary points accumulated across the entire regular season (against all teams, not just tied teams).
    7. Coin flip (if two teams are tied) or drawing of lots (if three or more teams are tied).

    Results

    More information Home \ Away, CHI ...
    Source: NWSL
    Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
    Notes:
    1. Match abandoned at the 52nd minute due to severe thunderstorms in the area.[44]

    Attendance

    See also: National Women's Soccer League attendance

    Average home attendances

    Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.

    More information Team, GP ...

    Updated through 2023 Season

    1. The April 28, 2023, match between HOU and NC was abandoned at the 52nd minute before attendance could be reported.[44]

    Highest attendances

    More information Rank, Home team ...

    Updated through 2023 Season

    1. The June 3 match between OL Reign and Portland Thorns FC was part of a doubleheader with Seattle Sounders FC. The attendance figure reflects the tickets counted for the Sounders match.[46]

    Statistical leaders

    As of October 14, 2023.[47]
    More information Rank, Player ...
    More information Rank, Player ...

    Playoffs

    Further information: NWSL 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.[51][52]

    Quarterfinals Semifinals Championship
    1 San Diego Wave FC 0
    4 OL Reign 1 4 OL Reign 1
    5 Angel City FC 0 4 OL Reign 1
    6 NJ/NY Gotham FC 2
    2 Portland Thorns FC 0
    3 North Carolina Courage 0 6 NJ/NY Gotham FC (a.e.t.) 1
    6 NJ/NY Gotham FC 2

    Quarterfinals

    More information OL Reign, 1–0 ...
    Attendance: 12,152
    Referee: Brad Jensen
    More information North Carolina Courage, 0–2 ...
    Attendance: 4,612

    Semifinals

    More information Portland Thorns FC, 0–1 (a.e.t.) ...
    Attendance: 25,218
    Referee: Danielle Chesky
    More information San Diego Wave FC, 0–1 ...
    Attendance: 32,262
    Referee: Natalie Simon

    Championship

    More information OL Reign, 1–2 ...
    Attendance: 25,011

    Championship Game MVP: Midge Purce (NJNY)

    Challenge Cup

    Main article: 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup

    Individual awards

    As of July 10, 2023

    Annual awards

    Further information: NWSL awards
    More information Award, Winner ...

    Teams of the Year

    Announced November 6, 2023[60]

    Best XI

    More information POSITION, PLAYER ...

    Second XI

    More information POSITION, PLAYER ...

    Most selections

    Monthly awards

    Player of the Month

    Further information: NWSL Player of the Month
    More information Month, Player ...

    Rookie of the Month

    Further information: NWSL Rookie of the Month
    More information Month, Player ...

    Team of the Month

    Further information: NWSL Team of the Month
    More information Month, Goalkeeper ...

    Weekly awards

    More information Week, Player of the Week ...

    References

    1. [1]
      "NWSL Announces Full 2023 Season Schedule" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. February 8, 2023.
    2. [2]
      Goff, Steven (November 11, 2023). "Gotham takes NWSL title after Reign star Megan Rapinoe's farewell is cut short". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
    3. [3]
      Rantz, Susie (December 15, 2021). "OL Reign's move to Lumen Field, explained". Sounder At Heart.
    4. [4]
      Gardner, Hayes (October 14, 2021). "'A world-class city': Next month's NWSL Championship game moves to Louisville". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
    5. [5]
      Carp, Sam (November 22, 2021). "NWSL's Nike extension is league's 'most substantial' sponsorship deal to date". SportsPro. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
    6. [6]
      "Ali Riley's off-day tour of LA: Chinatown, plenty of food, but definitely no surfing". March 28, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    7. [7]
      Carp, Sam (February 19, 2021). "Angel City FC name DoorDash as inaugural shirt sponsor". SportsPro. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    8. [8]
      Claire Watkins [@ScoutRipley] (March 15, 2023). "Chris Petrucelli confirms Alyssa Naeher is the new captain of the Red Stars" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
    9. [9]
      Jones, Rory (April 22, 2022). "Chicago Red Stars' CIBC kit partnership 'biggest in franchise's history'". SportsPro. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    10. [10]
      "Sarah Lowdon, the Dash's 'bridge' in the coaching room". The Striker. March 31, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023. '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.
    11. [11]
      Houston Dash [@houstondash] (April 26, 2023). "Captain Sophie Schmidt reporting for duty" – via Instagram.
    12. [12]
      Schaffer, Allison (2020). "MD Anderson becomes jersey partner of Houston Dash" (Press release). MD Anderson Cancer Center. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    13. [13]
      Lauletta, Dan (April 20, 2023). "Immediate aftermath of Potter firing: KC team shocked but go on to win first game of 2023". The Equalizer. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    14. [14]
      "KC NWSL lands partnership with big KC player". Kansas City Business Journal. September 29, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    15. [15]
      Chandler, Joey (March 23, 2023). "NJ/NY Gotham FC star Ali Krieger to retire after 2023 season". NJ.com.
    16. [16]
      Cohen, Andrew (March 7, 2022). "Gotham FC Adds Algorand as Blockchain and NFT Partner". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    17. [17]
      Our New Captain (Video). North Carolina Courage. February 10, 2023 – via YouTube.
    18. [18]
      "Courage and Merz Aesthetics expand partnership" (Press release). North Carolina Courage. January 30, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    19. [19]
      "OL Reign Re-Signs Captain Lu Barnes Through 2024 Season". OL Reign. January 10, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    20. [20]
      Voght, Steve (April 14, 2021). "OL Reign unveil new kits featuring Black Future Co-op Fund on front". Sounder At Heart. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    21. [21]
      David, Austin (March 25, 2023). "After long road back from injury, grateful Marta excited to return to field with Orlando Pride" (Press release). Orlando City SC. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    22. [22]
      "Orlando Pride Unveils 2022-23 Luna Kit Presented by Orlando Health" (Press release). Orlando City SC. April 21, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    23. [23]
      "Christine Sinclair to play another season with NWSL champion Portland Thorns". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. November 1, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    24. [24]
      "NWSL Playoffs gives brand exposure to a number of league, team partners". Sports Business Journal. October 14, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    25. [25]
      "Jaelin Howell named Racing captain" (Press release). Racing Louisville FC. March 24, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    26. [26]
      Holton, Brooks (October 6, 2022). "Racing Louisville FC responds to allegations against Christy Holly in NWSL investigation". The Courier Journal. Yahoo! News. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    27. [27]
      Velasco, Francisco (March 25, 2023). "Huge 2023 season ahead for Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave". Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    28. [28]
      Insixiengmay, Steph (March 15, 2022). "Wave FC unveil Kaiser Permanente as 1st health partner and sponsor". LAG Confidential. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    29. [29]
      McCauley, Kim (March 30, 2023). "Why 2023 could be a big year for Aubrey Kingsbury". ESPN.
    30. [30]
      "Washington Spirit Unveils New Kit and Crest Colors for 2023 Season" (Press release). Washington Spirit. March 1, 2023.
    31. [31]
      "NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach" (Press release). NJ/NY Gotham FC. November 1, 2022.
    32. [32]
      "Orlando Pride announces promotion of Seb Hines to Head Coach" (Press release). Orlando City SC. November 11, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    33. [33]
      Pittman, Sam (November 21, 2022). "Washington Spirit Names Mark Parsons New Head Coach" (Press release).
    34. [34]
      Houston Dash [@HoustonDash] (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" (Tweet). Retrieved December 2, 2022 – via Twitter.
    35. [35]
      "Houston Dash name Sam Laity as head coach" (Press release). Houston Dynamo FC. December 21, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
    36. [36]
      "Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson to resign" (Press release). Portland Timbers. December 2, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    37. [37]
      "Assistant coach Mike Norris appointed Thorns FC head coach" (Press release). Portland Timbers. January 9, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    38. [38]
      Kassouf, Jeff (April 19, 2023). "Kansas City Current fire head coach Matt Potter". The Equalizer. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
    39. [39]
      "Angel City FC Parts Ways with Freya Coombe" (Press release). Angel City FC. June 14, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
    40. [40]
      FC, Houston Dynamo. "Houston Dash part ways with head coach | Houston Dynamo". Houston Dynamo FC.
    41. [41]
      FC, Houston Dynamo. "Houston Dash name Sarah Lowdon interim head coach | Houston Dynamo". Houston Dynamo FC.
    42. [42]
      Anderson, Jason. "Chicago Red Stars part ways with coach Chris Petrucelli days before NWSL season ends". USA TODAY.
    43. [43]
      "2023 Competition Rules & Regulations" (PDF). National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    44. [44]
      "Courage defeat Dash 1-0 in weather-shortened match". NWSL. April 28, 2023.
    45. [45]
      "NWSL Schedule". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
    46. [46]
      Evans, Jayda (June 3, 2023). "OL Reign lose to Thorns for first time since 2019 to cap soccer twinbill". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
    47. [47]
      "NWSL Stats". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
    48. [48]
      "Sophia Smith's hat trick propels Portland over Kansas City" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. April 1, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
    49. [49]
      "North Carolina topples Chicago in 5-0 away thrashing" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 10, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
    50. [50]
      "Thorns go top with thrilling 4-2 win over Washington" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 24, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
    51. [51]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces San Diego Wave FC as Host of 2023 NWSL Championship, Presented by Bud Light" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
    52. [52]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces Schedule for 2023 NWSL Playoffs, Presented by Bud Light" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
    53. [53]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces 2023 NWSL Award Finalists, Opens Final Voting Round". www.nwslsoccer.com. October 24, 2023.
    54. [54]
      "Portland Thorns FC Forward Sophia Smith Wins 2023 NWSL Golden Boot". National Women's Soccer League. October 16, 2023.
    55. [55]
      "North Carolina Courage Attacker Kerolin Named 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player Presented by Bud Light". NWSL Soccer. November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
    56. [56]
      "San Diego Wave FC Centerback Naomi Girma Named 2023 NWSL Defender of the Year". National Women's Soccer League. November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
    57. [57]
      "Houston Dash Keeper Jane Campbell Named 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year". National Women's Soccer League. November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
    58. [58]
      "NJ/NY Gotham FC Midfielder/Defender Jenna Nighswonger Named 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, Presented by Ally". www.nwslsoccer.com.
    59. [59]
      "NJ/NY Gotham FC's Juan Carlos Amorós Named 2023 NWSL Coach of the Year". National Women's Soccer League. November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
    60. [60]
      "NWSL Announces Winners of 2023 Mastercard Best XI Awards". November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
    61. [61]
      "Portland Thorns FC Striker Sophia Smith Named March/April Player of the Month, Presented by EA SPORTS" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
    62. [62]
      "Racing Louisville FC Midfielder Savannah DeMelo Named May Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
    63. [63]
      "Portland Thorns FC Forward Sophia Smith Named June Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
    64. [64]
      "Angel City FC Midfielder Savannah McCaskill Named July Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
    65. [65]
      "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" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
    66. [66]
      "Angel City FC Midfielder Savannah McCaskill Named September/October Player of the Month, Presented by EA Sports" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
    67. [67]
      "Angel City FC Forward Alyssa Thompson Named March/April Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
    68. [68]
      "NJ/NY Gotham FC Defender/Midfielder Jenna Nighswonger Named May Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
    69. [69]
      "Washington Spirit Midfielder Paige Metayer Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
    70. [70]
      "NJ/NY Gotham FC's Jenna Nighswonger Named July Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
    71. [71]
      "Kansas City Current Forward Alexa Spaanstra Named September/October Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
    72. [72]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
    73. [73]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces May Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
    74. [74]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces June Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
    75. [75]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces July Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 2, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
    76. [76]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces August Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. August 31, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
    77. [77]
      "National Women's Soccer League Announces September/October Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
    78. [78]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (March 28, 2023). "Don't call it a comeback, she's been here for years 👏" (Tweet). Retrieved March 28, 2023 – via Twitter.
    79. [79]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 6, 2023). "The Hat Trick 👑" (Tweet). Retrieved April 14, 2023 – via Twitter.
    80. [80]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 19, 2023). "Tullis-Joyce is a beast" (Tweet). Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Twitter.
    81. [81]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 24, 2023). "Time for the @budlight Player of the Week poll 🏆" (Tweet). Retrieved April 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
    82. [82]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 26, 2023). "Not one, but two saves on the play *in the rain* earn @abbyys44 Save of the Week honors!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
    83. [83]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 2, 2023). "It had to be Debinha" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Twitter.
    84. [84]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 2, 2023). "It's time for Save of the Week! Let's see those votes🗳️" (Tweet). Retrieved May 3, 2023 – via Twitter.
    85. [85]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 9, 2023). "WARNING ⚠️ Do not leave Crystal Dunn unmarked in the box 😱" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2023 – via Twitter.
    86. [86]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 10, 2023). "We think you dropped this Katie Lund 👑 Save of the Week Winner ✅" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2023 – via Twitter.
    87. [87]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 16, 2023). "In safe hands" (Tweet). Retrieved May 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
    88. [88]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 18, 2023). "Your Save of the Week!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
    89. [89]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 23, 2023). "GOTHAM RACKING 'EM UP" (Tweet). Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
    90. [90]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 23, 2023). "A new @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week poll!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
    91. [91]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 31, 2023). "Vamos @bruninhaia_" (Tweet). Retrieved May 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
    92. [92]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (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!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
    93. [93]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 8, 2023). "After 311 days away from the pitch, @sydneyleroux scores in her first game back!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 8, 2023 – via Twitter.
    94. [94]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 8, 2023). "Unbelievable stops" (Tweet). Retrieved June 7, 2023 – via Twitter.
    95. [95]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 14, 2023). "Kerolin gets her hat trick and @budlight Player of the Week nod 🎩🪄" (Tweet). Retrieved June 18, 2023 – via Twitter.
    96. [96]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 13, 2023). "Let's hear it for the keepers🗣️" (Tweet). Retrieved June 18, 2023 – via Twitter.
    97. [97]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 22, 2023). "Tara McKeown really DOES IT ALL!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
    98. [98]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 21, 2023). "Four amazing saves but only one can be @DeloitteUS Impact Save of the Week!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
    99. [99]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 27, 2023). "Go off, Soph!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 27, 2023 – via Twitter.
    100. [100]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 29, 2023). "Can't stop thinking about this @phallon91 save 😱" (Tweet). Retrieved June 29, 2023 – via Twitter.
    101. [101]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 3, 2023). "Say hello to your @budlight Player of the Week nominees 👋⤵️" (Tweet). Retrieved July 4, 2023 – via Twitter.
    102. [102]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 3, 2023). "Get your votes ready!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Twitter.
    103. [103]
      National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 12, 2023). "What are you waiting for?!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
      Share this article:

      This article uses material from the Wikipedia article 2023_NWSL_Championship, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.