2023 National Women's Soccer League season

The 2023 National Women's Soccer League season is 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 is the 17th overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. Twelve teams compete in the league.

National Women's Soccer League
Season2023
DatesMarch 25–November 11
Matches played42
Goals scored117 (2.79 per match)
Top goalscorerAshley Hatch (5)
Best goalkeeperFour players (3)
Biggest home winPOR 4–0 ORL
(March 26)
Biggest away winKC 1–4 POR
(April 1)
Highest scoringRGN 5–2 CHI
(April 22)
Longest winning runOL Reign
(3, April 1–22)
Longest unbeaten runWashington Spirit
(7, March 26–May 13)
Longest winless runRacing Louisville FC
(6, March 26–May 6)
Longest losing runOrlando Pride
(4, March 26–April 23)
Highest attendance30,854
SD 3–2 CHI
(March 25)
Lowest attendance2,356
CHI 4–2 KC
(April 15)
Total attendance395,898
Average attendance9,656
← 2022
2024 →
All statistics correct as of May 14, 2023.

The NWSL regular season, comprising 22 games for each team, began on March 25 and ends on November 11, 2023.[1] For the first time, the NWSL Challenge Cup runs entirely concurrent with the regular season from April to September 9, 2023.[1]

Teams, stadiums, and personnel

Stadiums and locations
See also: List of National Women's Soccer League stadiums

Capacities listed here are full capacities, and do not reflect COVID-19 restrictions.

Personnel and sponsorship

Note: All teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer as part of a league-wide sponsorship agreement renewed in November 2021.[4]

Team Head coach Captain Shirt sponsor
Angel City FC England Freya Coombe New Zealand Ali Riley[5] DoorDash[6]
Chicago Red Stars United States Chris Petrucelli United States Alyssa Naeher[7] CIBC[8]
Houston Dash England Sam Laity Canada Sophie Schmidt[9][10] MD Anderson Cancer Center[11]
Kansas City Current Finland Caroline Sjöblom (interim) United States Lo'eau LaBonta[12] Saint Luke's Health System[13]
NJ/NY Gotham FC Spain Juan Carlos Amorós United States Ali Krieger[14] Algorand[15]
North Carolina Courage United States Sean Nahas Republic of Ireland Denise O'Sullivan[16] Merz Aesthetics[17]
OL Reign England Laura Harvey United States Lauren Barnes[18] Black Future Co-op Fund[19]
Orlando Pride England Seb Hines Brazil Marta[20] Orlando Health[21]
Portland Thorns FC England Mike Norris Canada Christine Sinclair[22] Providence Health & Services[23]
Racing Louisville FC Sweden Kim Björkegren United States Jaelin Howell[24] GE Appliances[25]
San Diego Wave FC England Casey Stoney United States Alex Morgan[26] Kaiser Permanente[27]
Washington Spirit England Mark Parsons United States Aubrey Kingsbury[28] CVS Health[29]

Coaching changes
Team Outgoing coach Manner of departure Date of vacancy Position in table Incoming coach Date of appointment Ref.
NJ/NY Gotham FC England Hue Menzies (interim) End of interim period October 2, 2022 Preseason Spain Juan Carlos Amorós November 1, 2022 [30]
Orlando Pride England Seb Hines (interim) End of interim period October 2, 2022 Preseason England Seb Hines November 11, 2022 [31]
Washington Spirit United States Albertin Montoya (interim) End of interim period October 2, 2022 Preseason England Mark Parsons November 21, 2022 [32]
Houston Dash Spain Juan Carlos Amorós (interim) Resigned October 28, 2022 Preseason England Sam Laity December 21, 2022 [33][34]
Portland Thorns FC Canada Rhian Wilkinson Resigned December 2, 2022 Preseason England Mike Norris January 9, 2023 [35][36]
Kansas City Current England Matt Potter Fired April 19, 2023 11th Finland Caroline Sjöblom (interim) April 19, 2023 [37]

    Regular season

    Standings
    Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
    1 Washington Spirit 7 4 3 0 10 5 +5 15 NWSL Shield, Playoffs – Semi-Finals
    2 OL Reign 7 4 1 2 12 6 +6 13 Playoffs – Semi-Finals
    3 NJ/NY Gotham FC 7 4 1 2 7 6 +1 13 Playoffs – First Round
    4 Portland Thorns FC 7 3 3 1 18 10 +8 12
    5 San Diego Wave FC 7 4 0 3 12 10 +2 12
    6 North Carolina Courage 7 3 1 3 8 9 −1 10
    7 Houston Dash 7 2 3 2 5 6 −1 9
    8 Angel City FC 7 2 2 3 11 13 −2 8
    9 Racing Louisville FC 7 1 4 2 9 9 0 7
    10 Orlando Pride 7 2 1 4 5 11 −6 7
    11 Kansas City Current 7 2 0 5 9 14 −5 6
    12 Chicago Red Stars 7 1 1 5 11 18 −7 4
    Updated to match(es) played on May 14, 2023. Source: NWSL
    Rules for classification: Tiebreakers

    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.[38]

    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
    Home \ Away CHI HOU KC LA LOU NC NJY ORL POR RGN SD WAS
    Chicago Red Stars — 1–2 4–2 Sep 17 Sep 30 Jun 9 1–2 May 27 Jun 18 Oct 15 Jul 1 1–1
    Houston Dash Jul 7 — Aug 26 Oct 8 0–0 0–1[lower-alpha 1] Jun 11 Jun 3 2–1 Jun 17 May 20 Aug 19
    Kansas City Current Oct 7 May 26 — Sep 1 May 20 Jun 3 2–0 2–0 1–4 Aug 18 0–2 Jun 18
    Angel City FC Jun 4 Jun 25 3–2 — 2–2 Jul 9 1–2 Sep 21 Oct 15 Aug 27 0–2 0–1
    Racing Louisville FC 3–0 Sep 15 Jul 7 Aug 19 — May 27 Jun 18 Oct 6 Sep 2 2–2 Jun 9 2–2
    North Carolina Courage Aug 27 Jul 1 1–0 May 20 Jun 24 — Sep 2 Jun 17 3–3 1–0 Oct 7 1–2
    NJ/NY Gotham FC Jun 25 Oct 1 Oct 15 Jul 2 Aug 27 1–0 — 0–0 Jul 9 0–2 Jun 4 Sep 16
    Orlando Pride Aug 20 Oct 15 Jun 24 1–2 1–0 Sep 17 0–2 — Jun 11 Jul 7 Aug 25 May 20
    Portland Thorns FC May 21 1–1 Jul 1 3–3 2–0 Aug 20 Oct 7 4–0 — Sep 16 Sep 30 Jun 23
    OL Reign 5–2 2–0 Jun 10 May 27 Jul 1 Oct 1 May 21 Sep 3 Jun 3 — 1–0 Oct 6
    San Diego Wave FC 3–2 Sep 3 Sep 18 Jun 17 Oct 15 3–1 Aug 19 1–3 May 26 Jun 24 — Jul 8
    Washington Spirit Sep 3 0–0 Sep 30 Jun 10 Jun 3 Oct 15 May 28 Jul 1 Aug 27 1–0 3–1 —
    Updated to match(es) played on May 14, 2023. Source: NWSL
    Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
    Notes:
    1. Match abandoned at the 52nd minute.

    Positions by week

    Considering each week to end when the NWSL releases their weekly standing tweet

    Team \ Week 12345678910111213141516171819202122
    Washington Spirit5325431
    OL Reign11542212
    NJ/NY Gotham FC3754543
    Portland Thorns FC1111124
    San Diego Wave FC2233355
    North Carolina Courage481010876
    Houston Dash7466687
    Angel City FC9677968
    Racing Louisville FC699810119
    Orlando Pride12121212121010
    Kansas City Current101111117911
    Chicago Red Stars81089111212

    Legend: Gold = first place; green = playoff position; Red = last place.

    Attendance
    See also: National Women's Soccer League attendance

    Average home attendances

    Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.

    Regular season
    Team GP Attendance High Low Average
    San Diego Wave FC364,07930,85416,22521,360
    Angel City FC581,22622,00017,42719,731
    Portland Thorns FC462,77116,93814,97215,693
    Kansas City Current443,48712,9699,40910,872
    Washington Spirit330,58612,2327,07310,195
    OL Reign321,5379,2196,1327,179
    Orlando Pride317,5017,1375,1065,834
    North Carolina Courage421,2377,0704,0595,309
    Houston Dash[lower-alpha 1]210,3605,7224,6385,180
    Racing Louisville FC315,1896,1854,1435,063
    NJ/NY Gotham FC314,2227,5343,2004,741
    Chicago Red Stars413,7234,0652,3563,431
    Total41395,89830,8542,3569,656

    Updated through May 14, 2023

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

    Highest attendances
    Regular season
    Rank Home team Score Away team Attendance[39] Date Stadium
    1San Diego Wave FC3–2Chicago Red Stars30,854March 25, 2023 (2023-03-25)Snapdragon Stadium
    2Angel City FC1–2NJ/NY Gotham FC22,000March 26, 2023 (2023-03-26)BMO Stadium
    3Angel City FC0–2San Diego Wave FC22,000April 23, 2023 (2023-04-23)BMO Stadium
    4Angel City FC3–2Kansas City Current19,219May 7, 2023 (2023-05-07)BMO Stadium
    5Angel City FC1–2Racing Louisville FC18,007April 15, 2023 (2023-04-15)BMO Stadium
    6Angel City FC0–1Washington Spirit17,427May 13, 2023 (2023-05-13)BMO Stadium
    7San Diego Wave FC3–1North Carolina Courage17,000April 1, 2023 (2023-04-01)Snapdragon Stadium
    8Portland Thorns FC3–3Angel City FC16,938April 29, 2023 (2023-04-29)Providence Park
    9San Diego Wave FC1–3Orlando Pride16,225April 29, 2023 (2023-04-29)Snapdragon Stadium
    10Portland Thorns FC1–1Houston Dash15,657April 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)Providence Park

    Updated through May 13, 2023.

    Statistical leaders
    As of May 14, 2023.[40]

    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 first-round bye.

    Challenge Cup
    Main article: 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup

    Individual awards
    As of May 17, 2023

    Player of the Month
    Further information: NWSL Player of the Month
    Month Player Team Ref.
    March/April United States Sophia Smith Portland Thorns FC [41]

    Rookie of the Month
    Further information: NWSL Rookie of the Month
    Month Player Team Ref.
    March/April United States Alyssa Thompson Angel City FC [42]

    Team of the Month
    Further information: NWSL Team of the Month
    Month Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Forwards Ref.
    March/April United States Phallon Tullis-Joyce, RGN United States Emily Fox, NC
    United States Naomi Girma, SD
    United States Becky Sauerbrunn, POR
    United States Sam Staab, WAS
    		Brazil Debinha, KC
    United States Crystal Dunn, POR
    Wales Jess Fishlock, RGN    		 United States Bethany Balcer, RGN
    United States Sophia Smith, POR
    United States Lynn Williams, NJY    		 [43]

    Weekly awards
    Week Player of the Week Save of the Week Ref.
    PlayerClub PlayerClub
    1 United States Lynn WilliamsNJ/NY Gotham FC Not awarded [44]
    2 United States Sophia SmithPortland Thorns FC [45]
    3 United States Phallon Tullis-JoyceOL Reign [46]
    4 United States Lynn Williams (2)NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Abby SmithNJ/NY Gotham FC [47][48]
    5 Brazil DebinhaKansas City Current United States Abby Smith (2)NJ/NY Gotham FC [49][50]
    6 United States Crystal DunnPortland Thorns FC United States Katie LundRacing Louisville FC [51][52]
    7 United States Abby SmithNJ/NY Gotham FC United States Abby Smith (3)NJ/NY Gotham FC [53][54]

    References
    1. "NWSL Announces 2023 Season Schedule Footprint". www.nwslsoccer.com. November 17, 2022.
    2. Rantz, Susie (December 15, 2021). "OL Reign's move to Lumen Field, explained". Sounder At Heart.
    3. 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.
    4. Carp, Sam (November 22, 2021). "NWSL's Nike extension is league's 'most substantial' sponsorship deal to date". SportsPro. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
    5. "Ali Riley's off-day tour of LA: Chinatown, plenty of food, but definitely no surfing". March 28, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    6. Carp, Sam (February 19, 2021). "Angel City FC name DoorDash as inaugural shirt sponsor". SportsPro. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    7. Claire Watkins [@ScoutRipley] (March 15, 2023). "Chris Petrucelli confirms Alyssa Naeher is the new captain of the Red Stars" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
    8. Jones, Rory (April 22, 2022). "Chicago Red Stars' CIBC kit partnership 'biggest in franchise's history'". SportsPro. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    9. "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.
    10. Houston Dash [@houstondash] (April 26, 2023). "Captain Sophie Schmidt reporting for duty" – via Instagram.
    11. Schaffer, Allison (2020). "MD Anderson becomes jersey partner of Houston Dash" (Press release). MD Anderson Cancer Center. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    12. 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.
    13. "KC NWSL lands partnership with big KC player". Kansas City Business Journal. September 29, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    14. Chandler, Joey (March 23, 2023). "NJ/NY Gotham FC star Ali Krieger to retire after 2023 season". NJ.com.
    15. Cohen, Andrew (March 7, 2022). "Gotham FC Adds Algorand as Blockchain and NFT Partner". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    16. Our New Captain (Video). North Carolina Courage. February 10, 2023 – via YouTube.
    17. "Courage and Merz Aesthetics expand partnership" (Press release). North Carolina Courage. January 30, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    18. "OL Reign Re-Signs Captain Lu Barnes Through 2024 Season". OL Reign. January 10, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    19. Voght, Steve (April 14, 2021). "OL Reign unveil new kits featuring Black Future Co-op Fund on front". Sounder At Heart. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    20. 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.
    21. "Orlando Pride Unveils 2022-23 Luna Kit Presented by Orlando Health" (Press release). Orlando City SC. April 21, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    22. "Christine Sinclair to play another season with NWSL champion Portland Thorns". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. November 1, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    23. "NWSL Playoffs gives brand exposure to a number of league, team partners". Sports Business Journal. October 14, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    24. "Jaelin Howell named Racing captain" (Press release). Racing Louisville FC. March 24, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    25. 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.
    26. Velasco, Francisco (March 25, 2023). "Huge 2023 season ahead for Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave". Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    27. Insixiengmay, Steph (March 15, 2022). "Wave FC unveil Kaiser Permanente as 1st health partner and sponsor". LAG Confidential. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
    28. McCauley, Kim (March 30, 2023). "Why 2023 could be a big year for Aubrey Kingsbury". ESPN.
    29. "Washington Spirit Unveils New Kit and Crest Colors for 2023 Season" (Press release). Washington Spirit. March 1, 2023.
    30. "NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach" (Press release). NJ/NY Gotham FC. November 1, 2022.
    31. "Orlando Pride announces promotion of Seb Hines to Head Coach" (Press release). Orlando City SC. November 11, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    32. Pittman, Sam (November 21, 2022). "Washington Spirit Names Mark Parsons New Head Coach" (Press release).
    33. 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. t.co/UJOx3HTESs" (Tweet). Retrieved December 2, 2022 – via Twitter.
    34. "Houston Dash name Sam Laity as head coach" (Press release). Houston Dynamo FC.
    35. "Thorns FC head coach Rhian Wilkinson to resign" (Press release). Portland Timbers. December 2, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    36. "Assistant coach Mike Norris appointed Thorns FC head coach" (Press release). Portland Timbers. January 9, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    37. Kassouf, Jeff. "Kansas City Current fire head coach Matt Potter – Equalizer Soccer".
    38. "2023 Competition Rules & Regulations" (PDF). National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
    39. "NWSL Schedule". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
    40. "NWSL Stats". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
    41. "Portland Thorns FC Striker Sophia Smith Named March/April Player of the Month, Presented by EA SPORTS". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
    42. "Angel City FC Forward Alyssa Thompson Named March/April Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
    43. "National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
    44. 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.
    45. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 6, 2023). "The Hat Trick 👑" (Tweet). Retrieved April 14, 2023 – via Twitter.
    46. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 19, 2023). "Tullis-Joyce is a beast" (Tweet). Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Twitter.
    47. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 25, 2023). "Time for the @budlight Player of the Week poll 🏆" (Tweet). Retrieved April 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
    48. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (April 25, 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.
    49. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 2, 2023). "It had to be Debinha" (Tweet). Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Twitter.
    50. 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.
    51. 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.
    52. 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.
    53. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 15, 2023). "Some great performances this week!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
    54. National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 16, 2023). "Bringing you another Save of the Week! Let's see those votes" (Tweet). Retrieved May 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
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