NWSL Players Who Have Impressed So Far This Season
We may only be a few weeks into the regular season, but the NWSL is shaping up to be a great competition, with some teams surprising us all with their play (ahem, Orlando). Likewise, players have really brought their A-game. Here are the NWSL players who’ve impressed us so far:
Mallory Pugh
The Red Stars had to wait a little bit to see Pugh representing Chicago, but she was very much worth the wait. Chicago struggled to find an offensive spark in the 2021 Challenge Cup and the beginning of the regular season, but with Pugh’s insertion into the lineup, they have created more chances. The attacker has been involved in all but one of Chicago’s four goals, scoring one and assisting two.
The attacking half is still a bit of a question mark for Chicago, but Pugh has been a bright spot. She’s struggled with injuries in recent years, but she’s now showing that she’s definitely still got the skills that brought her renown in her early career.
Ashley Hatch
Washington is another team struggling offensively at times, which shouldn’t be the case given their star power up top. Hatch has been utilized as a starter but also a spark off the bench. She’s currently second in the league with three goals on the season. Hatch scored the game-winner against Houston and the tying goals against Orlando in both meetings between the two teams.
Alex Morgan
Morgan has not always played well for her club team; this season, that isn’t the case. She’s currently on pace to have her best season with Orlando yet. In Orlando’s first five games, Morgan has scored four goals and registered an assist. Her combination play with Sydney Leroux and the Pride midfield has been great, and she’s creating a ton of chances. She’ll miss out on a lot of time due to the Olympics, but she has been really impressive so far, and I’d look for her to continue that form.
Carson Pickett
Proof that a change of environment could be exactly what you need as a player. Pickett has been a consistent starter for the Courage since being traded in the offseason. She’s often one of the best players on the field for North Carolina, creating multiple chances a game. Her crosses and corners into the box have been terrific. She’s only got one assist on the season, but she puts the ball in dangerous positions each game.
Featured Image via Daniel Bartel/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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