The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has seen significant changes this season, characterized by high-profile player transfers to Europe, notable retirements, and major trades. Notably, San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma has moved to Chelsea for a record-breaking $1.1 million transfer fee, while Jenna Nighswonger, also a celebrated U.S. national team defender, has joined Arsenal after her stint with Gotham FC.
Within the league, Jaedyn Shaw has been traded from the Wave to the North Carolina Courage, and Lynn Biyendolo (formerly known as Williams) has moved from Gotham to the Seattle Reign. This season also witnessed the retirements of prominent players such as Portland Thorns defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Houston Dash forward Yuki Nagasato. Olympic gold medalist Sophia Wilson, previously Smith, announced her pregnancy and will not be appearing for the Portland team this season.
Despite these departures, the NWSL remains packed with exciting talent this season. One player to watch is Temwa Chawinga from the Kansas City Current, who previously made her mark as the league’s most valuable player in her debut season. Hailing from Malawi, Chawinga scored a record-breaking 20 goals, took home the Golden Boot award, and set a record with an eight-game scoring streak.
Another standout is Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride, who secured the championship MVP award last season by scoring the decisive goal against Washington Spirit, leading her team to a 1-0 victory. Banda also made history as the first player in the NWSL to score in each round of the playoffs and concluded the season with 13 goals.
The Pride’s talisman, Brazilian legend Marta, guided the team to both the NWSL Shield and the league championship last year, with an impressive tally of 11 goals. Marta, a six-time world player of the year, extended her contract with the Pride until the 2026 season.
The Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman, despite dealing with a lower back injury, concluded last season with an impressive eight goals and six assists. Rodman, an integral part of the Spirit since 2021, is also a fixture on the U.S. women’s national team. She played a significant role in the “Triple Espresso” trio, alongside Sophia (Smith) Wilson and Mallory Swanson, earning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Lynn Biyendolo, recently transferred to the Seattle Reign from Gotham FC, stands as the NWSL’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals. Biyendolo is a four-time NWSL champion and a regular on the U.S. national team, competing in the gold-medal-winning squad at the Paris Olympics.
Jaedyn Shaw, now with the North Carolina Courage, has established herself as a formidable midfielder since making her debut at 17. With 13 goals in 52 games during her time with the Wave, Shaw is a key member of the U.S. national team, heading the roster as the U.S. Young Player of the Year for 2022.
Christen Press of Angel City returns after conquering a serious knee injury, signing a one-year deal for this season. The 36-year-old forward, pivotal to the U.S. team’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, showed resilience after undergoing four surgeries, playing nine games last season.
