Tune into the final edition for the 2023 NWSL newsletter from Goalside Gossip. Gotham FC took down OL Reign to be crowned the 2023 NWSL Champions!

OL Reign vs Gotham FC (1-2)

The 2023 NWSL Championship game saw Ali Krieger's Gotham FC secure a 2-1 victory over Megan Rapinoe's OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. This marked Gotham FC's first NWSL crown since rebranding in 2021. Lynn Williams of the USWNT opened the scoring for Gotham, quickly answered by Rose Lavelle for the Reign, with Esther Gonzalez sealing the win with a goal in first-half stoppage time.

The match also served as a farewell for two USWNT legends, with Krieger leaving the game as a champion and Rapinoe departing after only three minutes due to a non-contact injury. Despite the bitter taste of her early exit, Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner with over 200 USWNT caps, has been widely recognized for her activism, advocating for equal pay and taking prominent stands as a social activist. Krieger, a USWNT centurion and two-time World Cup winner, leaves a legacy as a four-time NWSL Best XI member.

A New Era for the NWSL

The article reflects on the transformative journey of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and its recent championship game. OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock emphasizes the league's evolution during a media day event in San Diego, highlighting the upgraded championship branding and the league's new $60 million per year media rights deal with major networks. The piece contrasts the current state with the NWSL's humble beginnings a decade ago, marked by low attendance and limited marketing opportunities. The article acknowledges the NWSL's progress but points out areas that still require refinement, such as media access challenges and questions surrounding the reinvestment of the substantial media rights fees. Despite the strides made, the NWSL is seen as entering a new era, with growing attendance, TV viewership, and significant investments signaling the increasing value of women's professional soccer.

NWSL MVP: Kerolin Nicoli

North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin Nicoli has been named the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player, a recognition well-deserved after her first selection to the NWSL’s Best XI first team. In her second season with the Courage, Kerolin emerged as a game-changer, scoring a team-high 10 goals and co-leading in assists with three. Her standout performance placed her second in the league for goals, just behind Portland Thorns' Sophia Smith, the Golden Boot winner. Kerolin's significance went beyond goal-scoring, as she played a pivotal role in the Courage's possession-oriented tactics, leading the league in progressive carries, successful take-ons, and shot-creating actions.

However, Kerolin's absence due to an ACL injury in the playoffs highlighted her indispensable role in the team's attacking strategy. The Courage struggled in the quarterfinals against NJ/NY Gotham FC, managing only four shots on target and 12 touches in the opponent's penalty area without Kerolin. Captain Denise O’Sullivan emphasized the impact, stating that teams are automatically scared of Kerolin when she's on the ball, and her absence had a massive effect on the team's performance. Despite the setback, Kerolin's exceptional skills and versatility make her a fitting choice for the NWSL MVP award.

What Now For Goalside Gossip?

We know you guys are so worried about what we’re going to cover next, but have no fear, we are not going anywhere. Now that the NWSL season is over, we have transitioned to highlight another incredibly talented women’s soccer league- the Women’s Super League. So stay tuned, because there’s a lot coming your way!

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