North Carolina Courage Attacker Kerolin Named 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player, Presented by Bud Light
November 10, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NEW YORK - The National Women's Soccer League today announced North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin as the 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player, presented by Bud Light. The Brazilian national is the first South American born player and the fourth international player to win MVP.
Kerolin had a stellar season, recording a career-high 10 goals, the second highest total in the league while tying for the most assists on the Courage (3). The star attacker played in 19 regular season games, guiding her team to the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-7-6 record.
Kerolin scored in consecutive games twice this season, including a goal in North Carolina's second and third games of the year in April, with her first goal coming from a penalty kick. Her next streak started with her first career NWSL hat trick in Week 11, as she notched her fifth, sixth and seventh goals in a 5-0 win against the Chicago Red Stars. The attacker followed up her impressive performance with a goal against the Orlando Pride in the next match, a 3-0 victory.
The 23-year-old forward was a key factor in keeping playoff hopes alive for the Courage, recording a goal and two assists in a 3-3 draw against NJ/NY Gotham FC in Week 18, making her one of eight players to record multiple assists in a game this season, and the only one to score a goal in the same match. Kerolin also notched the equalizing goal in a draw against OL Reign in Week 20.
Kerolin finished seventh in the league in total shots (43) and eighth in shots on target (21). Known as one of the fastest players in the NWSL, she led the league in dribbles completed (67), getting past defenders for a league-leading nine goals inside the box.
Kerolin's MVP nod adds to an impressive resume in just her second NWSL season after earning a Second XI selection in 2022 and leading North Carolina to consecutive UKG NWSL Challenge Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. Her performance in the 2022 Challenge Cup Final earned her MVP of the match honors.
In addition to the league's top accolade, Kerolin will receive a cash bonus from Bud Light to celebrate her efforts on the pitch this season.
The list of five 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: Players (40%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%), Media (25%) and Fans (10%)
Full list of NWSL MVPs
2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash
2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC
2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC
2019: Sam Kerr, Chicago Red Stars
2021: Jessica Fishlock, OL Reign
2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC
2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage
National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 10, 2023
- 2023 NWSL Playoffs, Presented by Bud Light: Championship Pitch Notes - NWSL
- Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC Set to Take on OL Reign in NWSL Championship - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Chicago Red Stars Midfielder, Julia Bianchi, Called up to Brazilian Women's National Team - Chicago Stars FC
- Racing Signs Midfielder Maddie Pokorny to New Contract - Racing Louisville FC
- North Carolina Courage Attacker Kerolin Named 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player, Presented by Bud Light - NWSL
- Kerolin Nicoli Named NWSL 2023 Most Valuable Player - North Carolina Courage
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