Canadian international recorded 8-5-5 ledger to propel expansion side to playoff berth in inaugural campaign
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (October 26, 2022) – The National Women’s Soccer League has announced Kailen Sheridan as the 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year after a superb season in net for San Diego Wave Fútbol Club in its inaugural season.
After joining Wave FC in an offseason trade with NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2021, Sheridan anchored San Diego’s defense in 18 regular season matches, registering an 8-5-5 record. Thanks to Sheridan’s stout goalkeeping, the club ranked second in team defense among the league and became the first expansion side to earn a playoff berth in its inaugural season.
Sheridan registered a 75 percent save percentage and recorded eight clean sheets. Stopping 56 shots throughout the regular season for a 0.95 goals against average, the Whitby, Ontario native also enjoyed her second-straight regular season with an average under 1.00.
Leading all goalies in successful long passes, Sheridan became just the third keeper in NWSL history to record an assist when she distributed a setup feed on Wave FC forward Alex Morgan’s goal against OL Reign on June 12.
Sheridan kept notably calm under pressure during the 2022 campaign, stopping three of four penalty-kick attempts, good for the most saved shots from the spot this season.
Kansas City Current keeper AD Franch and OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce finished second and third in voting this year, respectively.
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: Players (50%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (25%) and Media (25%)
Final Round: Players (50%), Owners/GMs/Coaches (20%), Media (20%) and Fans (10%)
Full list of NWSL Goalkeepers of the Year
2013: Nicole Barnhart, FC Kansas City
2014: Alyssa Naeher, Boston Breakers
2015: Michelle Betos, Portland Thorns FC
2016: Ashlyn Harris, Orlando Pride
2017: Adrianna Franch, Portland Thorns FC
2018: Adrianna Franch, Portland Thorns FC
2019: Aubrey Bledsoe, Washington Spirit
2021: Aubrey Bledsoe, Washington Spirit
2022: Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC’s landmark inaugural season came to an end last Sunday in the NWSL Semi-Final. Wave FC made history as the first expansion team to make the playoffs before advancing to the NWSL Semi-Final with a 2-1 win over Chicago Red Stars on Oct. 16 in the Quarter Final. Furthermore, San Diego now holds the record for both the NWSL Playoff attendance record and the NWSL regular-season record, with 26,215 and 32,000 fans at Snapdragon Stadium. As the team looks towards next season, supporters can make season ticket deposits for Wave FC’s 2023 season now.
