NJ/NY Gotham FC Back Caprice Dydasco Named 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year
Published on November 15, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO - The National Women's Soccer League announced today NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Caprice Dydasco has been named the 2021 Defender of the Year. The rock of the Gotham defense this season, Dydasco enjoyed a highly productive year marked by over 2000 minutes of play, a career-best assist total and the first goal of her NWSL career.
In 24 starts, Dydasco expertly guarded Gotham's defensive half, making 49 clearances and 49 interceptions on the year, the most of any defender in the league. The Honolulu, Hawaii native further proved her mettle by winning more than 60 percent of tackles and completing nearly 80 percent of passes, landing her on the NWSL Team of the Month five times, more than any other player this season.
In addition to her defensive talent, Dydasco found her way into Gotham FC's attack on many occasions, contributing 56 key passes across 25 games and notching five assists, good for second among league defenders. Dydasco's offensive highlights also include her first career goal, which came on June 20 when she scored in the waning moments of Gotham's first half against the Orlando Pride. The five assists and one goal are a career-best for the defender.
A veteran of the league, Dydasco celebrated her 100th regular-season appearance in the NWSL on October 6 against her former team the Washington Spirit.
Chicago Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden was second in voting, while Portland Thorns back Emily Menges was third, Carson Pickett of the North Carolina Courage was fourth and OL Reign's Alana Cook was fifth.
The list of finalists was decided after a preliminary round of voting by owners, general managers, coaches, players and media. The finalists were then voted on by fans, owners, general managers, coaches, players and media.
Voting Breakdown:
Preliminary Round: Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Players (50%)
Final Round: Owners/GMs/Coaches (20%), Media (20%), Players (50%) and Fans (10%)
Full List of NWSL Defenders of the Year
2013: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2014: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2015: Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City
2016: Lauren Barnes, Seattle Reign FC
2017: Abby Dahlkemper, North Carolina Courage
2018: Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage
2019: Becky Sauerbrunn, Utah Royals FC
2021: Caprice Dydasco, NJ/NY Gotham FC
National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 15, 2021
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Back Caprice Dydasco Named 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year - NWSL
- Caprice Dydasco Voted 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Spirit Reach NWSL Final with 2-1 Win over OL Reign - Washington Spirit
- NWSL to Kick off 2021 NWSL Championship Weekend with Butchertown Block Party Presented by Mastercard - NWSL
- Timbers, Thorns FC Team up with Providence to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Children Ages 5 to 11 at Providence Park - Portland Thorns FC
- Imani Dorsey Added to U.S. Women's National Team Roster Ahead of November Friendlies in Australia - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Gritty Team Effort Sends Chicago to NWSL Championship with 2-0 Win over Portland Thorns - Chicago Stars FC
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