{
  "id": 12935150,
  "title": "Six favorites for the NWSL Defender of the Year award",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/six-favorites-for-the-nwsl-defender-of-the-year-award-12935150",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T18:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1131402/nwsl-defender-of-the-year-award-favorites"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Six defenders from the NWSL are vying for the Defender of the Year award as the playoffs approach. Using data from American Soccer Analysis and FotMob, we have analyzed the standout stats of these players to identify the frontrunners.\n\nTierna Davidson from Gotham is a top candidate, given their strong defensive record with only 21 goals against. Davidson's xGA (expected goals against) is 30.99, indicating that Gotham has conceded about 10 fewer goals while she's been on the field. She also shows defensive prowess, with only four instances of being bested in 1v1 situations. Davidson also contributed goals and assists in the final third of the game. Her performance earned her a spot in Gotham's August Best XI.\n\nWashington Spirit's Tara Rudd is another contender. Rudd has played an impressive 2,430 minutes this season, with 3 goals, 2 assists, 45 interceptions, and 24 tackles. Her contribution to Washington's build-up play is notable, with a touch share of 12.4%. Her defensive statistics, such as high interception and tackle rates, demonstrate her all-around abilities, making her a strong contender.\n\nDenver's Janine Sonis is a strong fullback with an impressive attacking production. She has an xA p96 of 0.16, making her highly effective in creating chances from wide areas. Sonis has also been productive offensively, scoring 12 goals and adding six assists in 26 starts. With a high touch share of 12.3% and above-average passing metrics, she has outperformed her expected scoring output. Her inclusion in the Best XI for July and August further solidifies her position as a top contender.\n\nKennedy Wesley from San Diego has been a reliable and disciplined defender, playing every minute of the team's 27 matches. Her Fouling g+ and turnovers metrics place her near the outer edge, demonstrating her ability to keep the ball and maintain discipline. The Wave's reliance on Wesley for leadership and organization, coupled with her 137 clearances (5.07 per 90), showcases her commitment to clearing danger. Additionally, Wesley's ability to prevent opponents from passing her highlights her role in safeguarding her team's defense. Her consistent performances have earned her call-ups to the USWNT.\n\nPerle Morroni from San Diego is a French left-back whose form has remained consistent throughout the season. She has helped San Diego's defense become the third-best in the league with 28 goals against. Morroni focuses on recovering the ball proactively, rather than merely clearing it. She has made 72 tackles (2.97 per 90) and 38 interceptions, and is also responsible for 12 possessions in the final third (145 total). Her high-proactivity approach and possession recovery skills make her a key player in San Diego's defensive success.",
  "summary": "Six NWSL defenders are making a strong case for the Defender of the Year award as the playoffs loom. With help from American Soccer Analysis and FotMob, we analyzed their standout stats to see who’s leading the race. Tierna Davidson Given Gotham’s position in the table and the fact that they’ve allowed only 21 goals […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Six favorites for the NWSL Defender of the Year award",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/six-favorites-for-the-nwsl-defender-of-the-year-award",
        "published": "2026-10-08T18:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}