NWSL Awards Predictions: Banda or Chawinga for MVP, Bethune's ROY Case, and More - The Athletic

NWSL Awards Predictions

MVP

The MVP race is a close one with two leading candidates: * Rachel Daly led the NWSL in goals (16) and points (23), and was named the NWSL Player of the Month in May and September. * Ashley Hatch was second in the league with 14 goals and 20 points while playing for two different teams. Other players who could be in the mix include Trinity Rodman, who led the league in assists with 9, and Sophia Smith, who had 14 goals and 7 assists.

Rookie of the Year

The ROY race is also a close one with two leading candidates: * Jaelin Howell is a defender for the Washington Spirit and is one of the most promising young players in the NWSL. * Emily Fox is a midfielder for the San Diego Wave and led all rookies with 7 assists. Other players who could be in the mix include Nicki Hernandez, who started 20 games for the Chicago Red Stars, and Michelle Cooper, who had 5 goals and 4 assists for the Orlando Pride.

Coach of the Year

The COY race is a tough one to call, but there are three leading candidates: * Laura Harvey led the OL Reign to the NWSL Shield with a league-best record of 11-3-6. * Richie Burke led the San Diego Wave to a second-place finish in their expansion season with a record of 10-6-4. * Hubert Busby Jr. led the Kansas City Current to a playoff berth with a record of 10-7-5. Other coaches who could be in the mix include Paul Riley, who led the North Carolina Courage to the playoffs with a record of 9-8-5, and Matt Beard, who led the Washington Spirit to the playoffs with a record of 9-9-4.