VOTE NOW: 2023 NWSL Awards
Voting has begun for the 2023 NWSL Awards, and it’s time to turn the ballot purple!
The National Women’s Soccer League has announced the finalists for each the 2023 NWSL Awards, including Rookie of the Year presented by Ally, with Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright being named one of three finalists for the accolade. The final round of voting is now open, with fans now eligible to vote for Bright for Rookie of the Year, as well as the others on the Pride roster for the 2023 Best XI presented by Mastercard.
Voting Timeline:
Voting Opens: Tuesday, Oct. 24
Voting Closes: Friday, Oct. 27 at 12 p.m. ET
2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year presented by Ally (Vote Now)
Messiah Bright
- With seven goals across all competitions, Bright leads all rookies in scoring
- Led all rookies in xG (6.2) and successful take-ons (29)
- Scored two game-winners for the Pride, May 6 vs. Louisville and July 7 vs. OL Reign
- Became the first player to win NWSL Player and Rookie of the Month in the same monthly cycle
- Also named to the August Best XI
2023 Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team presented by Mastercard (Vote Now)
Select amongst the eligible Pride candidates to build your Best XI for the 2023 season. Let's take a look at some potential candidates:
Adriana
- A continuous threat to opposing defenses, “The Wizard” contributed to 10 goals this season (6G, 4A), three of her goals being game-winners.
- From Aug. 20-Oct. 2, had a hand in five-straight goals for her team (3G, 2A)
- Led the league in chances created (46), carries into the penalty area (65) and key passes (46)
- Finished second in shot creating actions (84) and chances created from set pieces (16)
- Ranked third-overall in progressive carries (91) and fifth overall in total distance (4,496 yds.)
- Team held a 5-1-0 record in matches were Adriana contributed to goals.
Emily Madril
- Finished the season just three minutes shy of Iron Woman status.
- Led all rookies in total blocks (18) and total clearances (73).
- While primarily playing at center back, also spent time playing at right back.
- Did this at Racing Louisville FC
Marta
- Tallied her eighth all-time game-winner, becoming the Pride's all-time leader in the category this season
- Finished the regular season with four goals and four assists
- Was a perfect four-for-four from the penalty spot on the season
- Ranked second in the league in expected assisted goals (5.0) and fourth-overall in the league in successful take-ons (40) and goal creating actions (0.63)
- Became the first player to reach 100 appearances in Orlando Pride history
Anna Moorhouse
- Set the Pride’s single-season shutout record, totaling seven (7) clean sheets over the 2023 regular season.
- Broke former goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris’ record for saves in a single-season, totaling 72 during the 2023 campaign.
- Finished third in the league in goals prevented (6.2), and fourth in saves (72), save percentage (78.3%) and clean sheet percentage (36.8%)
Kylie Strom
- A stalwart on the left side, Strom led the league in total tackles (80), tackles in the defensive third (50) and tackles plus interceptions (114).
- Finished the year third in total touches, with 1556.
- Ranked second in the league in dribbles past opponents (31)
- Totaled one goal on the year, a game-winner over Washington on May 20.
- Was named to the May & August Best XI teams