Award is second in a row for San Diego's 23-year-old defensive star; she's also a finalist for NWSL MVP award
For the second time in a as many years, San Diego Wave FC's Naomi Girma has been named the National Women's Soccer League's Defender of the Year. The 23-year-old Girma anchored the Wave's backline on the way to a NWSL Shield and top seed in the playoffs, finishing in the top five in the league in passes completed and passing accuracy . The Wave allowed just 22 goals on 91 shots all season.
1 overall in the NWSL's 2021 draft, predicting — accurately — that she would adapt to the league quickly. Girma was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year last season, then was added to the United States Women's National Team for last summer's World Cup. Girma rejoined the Wave after the World Cup, and the club secured the No. 1 seed in the NWSL playoffs. They received a first-round bye before falling 1-0 to Seattle's OL Reign in Sunday's league semifinals.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
OL Reign's Megan Rapinoe, Gotham FC's Ali Krieger advance to NWSL title gameOL Reign and Megan Rapinoe and Gotham FC and Ali Krieger have advanced to the NWSL championship game before both stars retire.
Read more »
Reign and Rapinoe, Gotham and Krieger advance to NWSL championship game before retiringVeronica Latsko's second-half goal was all OL Reign needed to defeat the San Diego Wave 1-0 and earn a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League championship game.
Read more »
Gotham's Juan Carlos Amorós named NWSL coach of the yearGotham FC coach Juan Carlos Amorós was named the National Women’s Soccer League coach of the year. Amorós led Gotham to an 8-7-7 regular season record and an appearance in the NWSL championship game on Saturday in San Diego. Gotham will play OL Reign for the title.
Read more »
Gotham FC expands ownership group on eve of NWSL championship gameCarolyn Tisch Blodgett has joined the ownership group at Gotham FC as the team prepares for the National Women’s Soccer League’s championship match. Tisch Blodgett is the founder and chief executive officer for investment platform Next 3, as well as a strategic advisor to the Tisch Ownership Group of the NFL’s New York Giants.
Read more »
Naomi Schiff Knows How To Dress For A Formula 1 WeekendThe Belgian-Rwandan racing driver and Formula 1 analyst discusses her motorsport career and fashion in the sport.
Read more »
Glenn Youngkin's Devastating Loss in Virginia Sparks Wave of Jokes, MockeryVirginia's legislative races served as a test of Youngkin's leadership amid speculation he could run for president.
Read more »