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NWSL 2015 Season Predictions

By Scott Sinclair

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With week one of the 2015 NWSL season in the books I will now unveil my bold and fearless predictions/awards for the upcoming season.

GOLDEN BOOT (top scorer):

NADIA NADIM, Sky Blue FC

The future Doctor is a goal a game machine for the Sky Blue. In just six games last year, she scored seven goals and three assists. She will not only lead the league in scoring, but shatter the record for most goals scored. Her back story is compelling, her game is beautiful to watch. Nadim is a special player.

LEAGUE MVP:

NADIA NADIM, Sky Blue FC

Why? See above.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:

Morgan Brian, Houston Dash

This may be the one pick that I’m not all in on. I give Brian the slight nod over her Dash teammate Stephanie Roche, Breakers forward Stephanie McCaffrey and the Sky Blue’s Sarah Killion. Yes Brian will miss a good chunk of time, but she is just too well rounded, too well polished not to have an immediate impact. There are at least six others I could put in with this group, which should give you some idea on how deep this rookie class is.

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GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR:

ALYSSA NAEHER, Boston Breakers

Hope Solo, Alyssa Naeher and Ashlyn Harris are easily the best three goalies in the league, although I think Sky Blue FC’s Brittany Cameron is one to watch. Naeher had a remarkable season last year, leading all goalkeepers in minutes played (2,115) and saves (106). Yes, she is going to miss a good deal of time, but she is the rock of  an at times shaky Boston D. Harris could also take this award, but in my mind, Naeher is the best goalie right now in the NWSL.

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    • DEFENDER OF THE YEAR:

    Julie Johnston, Chicago Red Stars

    The 2014 Rookie of the Year tied for second place in this category last year and even though she’ll miss league time, she is the best young defender in the league and a key member of the Red Stars’ stingy defense (1.08 goals against last year). This will be the first of several DOY awards the 23 year old will win in her career.

    NWSL BEST XI:

    First Team : Crystal Dunn (Wash), Julie Johnston (Chi), Kim Little (Sea), Megan Rapinoe (Sea), Nadia Nadim (NJ), Amy Rodriguez (KC), Alyssa Naeher (Bos), Kendall Fletcher (Sea), Jodie Taylor (Wash), Lauren Holiday (KC), Carli Lloyd (Hou)

    NWSL Shield Award (best regular season award):

    Sky Blue FC.

    I’m not playing local favorite here. Like all NWSL teams, they will have to absorb some loss of personnel during the World Cup. However, they also will be the least hurt by these losses, simply because they have good depth and will have not only Nadim, but also Maya Hayes, Sarah Killion and Katy Freels, and that trio starred in the preseason. Freels and Hayes in particular displayed nice chemistry. Yes, the young defensive corps will be tested, but I think 2015 first rounder Kristen Grubka is up to the task and Meg Morris leaves everything on the field. It will take time, but I believe that Brittany Cameron will develop into one of the top goalkeepers in the league. Jim Gabarra has his best squad by far and they are my pick to capture the regular season.

    LEAGUE CHAMPIONS:

    Seattle Reign

    After a marvelous regular season last year, disappointment reigned (sorry) at the end as Kansas City won it all. Kansas City, Portland and the Sky Blue are also contenders, but I see Seattle winning it all over New Jersey in the final. Why? Kendall Fletcher, Jessica Fishlock, Kim Little, Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo (if her head is on straight), that’s why. Yes, many of these key cogs will miss a good deal of time, but by season’s end they will gel into a champion. Naturally much will depend on how well Haley Kopmeyer can play in goal until Solo returns. Little is a scoring machine and will finish second in the golden boot award and the Reign have a nice, mobile defensive unit. And let’s face it, nobody steps up her play in crucial games like Solo does.

    Alright fans, that’s my list. I’d like to hear what you think. Who do you think will take home these awards? Agree with my picks? Disagree? Let me know, but keep it civil!

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