8 NWSL Players Who Have Impressed So Far This 2022 Season
We’re about a third of the way through the NWSL regular season, with star players around the league departing for USWNT call-ups and the 2022 European Championship in England. That’s what makes this first third of the season critical–it’s one of the few times where teams have their most complete rosters. As the summer goes on, there will be more injuries and players coming in and out of form, which is why we wanted to highlight some of the best players who have impressed thus far. Here are some NWSL players who are on fire to start the 2022 NWSL Season.
Alex Morgan
This is the Alex Morgan we’re used to seeing for the USWNT. One would have to think that Jill Ellis building San Diego’s team around Morgan would be why she’s able to get the ball in more dangerous areas.
Looking back at her last two years with Orlando and Tottenham Hotspur, Morgan scored a mere seven goals in 22 appearances. Right now, she has nine goals in nine games, and people will discredit her for the fact that four of those goals are penalties, but you still need to be composed to finish them at a high rate.
The record for most goals in an NWSL season is 18 by Sam Kerr, but at this rate, Morgan very well could get to 20 goals this season. Now USWNT duties will be a potential obstacle in doing so, but with how great Alex Morgan has looked so far, she’s still got a great chance to go for the record this year.
Mallory Pugh
Mallory Pugh’s resurgence in Chicago is a long time coming after the last two years of injuries and being in and out of lineups with the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC (Sky Blue at the time).
Now with her as the centerpiece of the offense, we’re starting to see her thrive again. Not only is she getting in behind defenses like she normally does, but she’s also showing off her finishing skills from outside the box. With each goal she scores from long distance, the more of a bind it puts opposing coaches and players in.
If you try and step up to pressure Pugh on the ball to prevent the long-distance shot, she’ll put on a nasty move and go right around you for an easier opportunity inside the box. Pugh is third in the league in goals scored with five, and assuming she stays healthy, she’ll likely hit the double-digit goal plateau in the NWSL for the first time in her career.
Ava Cook
Ava Cook’s rise is nothing short of spectacular. The striker has gone from Grand Valley State to Michigan State to the Chicago Red Stars in a three-year span. Hard work and being coachable are two of many things that Cook has attributed to her success. The rookie is leading the league in assists and received a call-up to the U-23 USWNT as a result.
The future is bright for Ava Cook, and Chicago has a knack for keeping and developing the players they draft well. Cook figures to be a key piece for the Red Stars this season, especially with Kealia Watt out for some time with a child on the way.
Maria Sanchez
Houston’s offense is capable of exploding on any team at any time. When Rachel Daly, Shea Groom, and Nichelle Prince are all in form, the Dash are very tough to beat. Yet the player who doesn’t get mentioned enough is Maria Sanchez.
The Mexican international has come in and been a catalyst offensively and silenced any doubts about how this team would replace Kristie Mewis. Her impact goes past the stat sheet because of her attacking quality and ability to get her teammates the ball in spots where they can do the most damage.
She started every game this season for Houston and played multiple positions as a winger and also a midfielder. Give it time; a player of her ability will turn heads sooner rather than later.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
The NWSL has the best goalkeeping in the world from top to bottom, and it’s not even close. With that said, did anyone expect to see Phallon Tullis-Joyce leading the league in saves up until this point? No chance.
The former University of Miami goalkeeper spent a couple of years in France. If you can get used to seeing star-studded teams like Lyon and PSG twice a year, there’s a chance to have a leg up on the rest of the competition. Tullis-Joyce has stepped in and been incredible as a No. 1 keeper and even made the preliminary 59-player list for USWNT call-ups.
Not only that, but her passion for marine life off the pitch is something to behold. The OL Reign was in a bad spot at the keeper position after trading away Casey Murphy. However they might have their new keeper of the future.
Vanessa Gilles
Vanessa Gilles’ journey to get to this point might be the most non-traditional of any player we’ve seen in the NWSL in quite some time.
After starring as one of the best defenders in the NCAA at the University of Cincinnati, Gilles ended up playing semi-pro soccer in Canada before playing professionally in Cyprus. You read that right, Cyprus. A small island surrounded by Turkey, Syria, and Greece is about as obscure as it gets for a professional soccer player. Yet that never deterred Gilles, who was given an opportunity with Bordeaux and impressed the French.
That’s what allowed Angel City FC to discover her. Now Gilles has become a great center-back partner for captain Ali Riley. Angel City has kept three clean sheets through these first eight games, and Vanessa Gilles is a big reason why.
Savannah DeMelo
After the 2022 NWSL Draft, Racing Louisville struck gold with their current rookie midfielders. Jaelin Howell was more highly-touted and is still playing at a high level for Louisville. But the other young star, Savannah DeMelo, is having a big impact as well.
The rookie earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI for the month of May and picked up a goal and assist in recent matches. Not only that but she also received a call-up for the U-23 USWNT for her run of good form.
Savannah DeMelo is a huge piece for Racing Louisville going forward. If she continues to ascend on an upward trajectory with Jaelin Howell, this team has a bright future.
Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith emerged as one of the best players in the league, and with that title comes expectations and responsibility. Portland is naturally going to rely on her as a goal scorer/creator, and she’s surpassing those expectations.
Smith is a problem for any defense when she’s running down the pitch. The striker is now second in the league in scoring with six goals. She’s definitely going to hit the double-digit goal mark for the first time in her career, similar to Mallory Pugh.
The scary thing is Smith is still 21 years old and only getting better. For her to be living up to expectations now shows just how high her ceiling is as a potential superstar for the USWNT.
Featured image via @racinglouisvillefc on Instagram
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