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2023 Blue Devils in the NWSL Recap
12/18/2023 12:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM – At the conclusion of the NWSL season and the Challenge Cup, the Blue Devils have continued to make a mark in the league. A total of 10 Duke women's soccer standouts saw action in 2023. The latest update is below:
Quinn – OL Reign (NWSL) – Canada National Team
During the season, Quinn appeared in 18 contests, drawing 10 starts. Individually, Quinn has continued to impress as a two-way midfielder for the OL reign. Defensively they have been excellent posting a 66.7 percent tackle success rate, winning nearly 60.0 percent of their areal duels. Quinn finished the season with one goal and two assists and three key passes. Furthermore, Quinn was named to the Canadian National Team's 23-player roster for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Quinn started for Canada's group stage matches and they shined in a scoreless draw against Nigeria where they played the entire match, providing a crucial block in the 75th minute and a strong goal line clearance at the end of the first half. In October, Quinn was again named to the Canadian squad where they started and played 90 minutes again Brazil in back-to-back games. At a club level, OL Reign posted a 9-8-5 record and finished fourth in the NWSL. OL Reign advanced to the championship match of the NWSL playoffs, before falling, 2-1, to Gotham. In the 2023 Challenge cup, OL Reign won group B on its way to the Final. Quinn appeared off the bench in a losing effort against the NC Courage. Quinn will be pivotal for OL Reign who should set the bar at competing for titles next season.
Ella Stevens – Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) Â
Ella Stevens, a 2020 Duke graduate, turned in a standout season with the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL. She was a consistent goal-scorer, netting four goals on the year, which tied her 2022 regular season total. Stevens was a consistent presence in the starting lineup, having started 16 out of 22 matches. Her scoring prowess was evident, with her goals stemming from only 16 shots. With most, three of her four goals coming before August, Stevens has the true ability to continue to improve and be a scorer for the Red Stars. Additionally, she has maintained a commendable 70.9 percent pass success rate, contributing to her team's performance. Despite the Red Stars finishing in 12th place in the regular NWSL season with a record of 7-12-3, Stevens' individual contributions were notable. In the 2023 Challengers Cup, her team secured a fourth-place finish in their group with a record of 1-1-4. Stevens continues to be an asset to her team and demonstrates her scoring ability in the hopes to reap the rewards in the competitive NWSL.
Lily Nabet – Angel City FC (NWSL) Â
Lily Nabet, a 2021 Duke graduate, was a valuable presence in the midfield for Angel City FC in the NWSL. During the season, she was featured in 11 games, making five starts, demonstrating her versatility and reliability. Nabet showcased her defensive prowess with a solid 50.0 percent success rate in tackles, while her passing accuracy has been impressive at 77.0 percent. Her contributions were essential to her team's performance in the league. During the Challenge Cup, Nabet continued to make an impact, participating in six games and earning three starts. Her pass success rate remained high at 76.1 percent, emphasizing her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. In the NWSL, her team finished in fifth with a record of 8-7-7, scoring a total of 31 goals. Additionally, in the 2023 Challenge Cup, her team posted a record of 2-2-2 in the group stage. Nabet's versatility and consistent performance were instrumental in Angel City FC's campaigns, both in the league and the Challengers Cup.
Caitlin Cosme – Orlando Pride (NWSL) Â
Caitlin Cosme made her presence felt with the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. On the season, Cosme made four starts in four games where her pass success rate in her defensive half stood at an impressive 89.0 percent, showcasing her ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively. Additionally, during the Challenge Cup, she earned two starts in two games and displayed her defensive skills with a 66.7 percent success rate in tackles. Cosme, a 2021 Duke graduate, also contributed an assist in a match against Washington, highlighting her ability to create scoring opportunities for her team. Despite her individual contributions, Orlando Pride finished in the seventh in the NWSL with a record of 10-11-1, scoring a total of 27 goals. Unfortunately, in the 2023 Challengers Cup, her team faced challenges and failed to secure a victory in the tournament.
Tess Boade – NC Courage (NWSL) Â
Tess Boade, made a significant impact as routine starter with the NC Courage in the NWSL. Boade played in 13 games, while making 12 starts, and totaled 804 minutes on the field. Her impressive pass success rate of 82.5 percent reflects her ability to maintain possession and facilitate play for her team. During the Challenge Cup, Boade started in all five games. She scored her first professional goal in a match against Washington on July 22 and provided an assist on the same day! Boade also contributed to her team's offensive efforts with two assists and her first NWSL goal against Chicago on August 27. In the NWSL, her team finished in third-place with a record of 9-7-6, scoring 29 goals and conceding 24. In the 2023 Challengers Cup, NC Courage posted a record of 3-2-1 in the group stage, with an impressive 15 goals scored. They ultimately won the championship by defeating Racing Louisville, 2-0, in the final. Boade's versatility secured their victory in the Challenge Cup and she is a key asset for the Courage. She was selected third overall in the 2024 Expansion Draft and will play for Bay FC next season. Â
Michelle Cooper – KC Current (NWSL) Â
Michelle Cooper's 2023 rookie NWSL season with the Kansas City Current was nothing short of impressive, after being the No. 2 pick in last year's draft. On the season, she played 21 games, starting 17. Cooper impressively found the back of the net three times from 16 shots on target this season, including a memorable sequence of back-to-back goals in late July against Portland Thorns FC and Louisville. Notably, Cooper turned in an exceptional 83.9 percent tackle success rate as a forward. In the 2023 Challenge Cup, Cooper was featured in all six games with six starts, where she scored a goal. KC Current's overall season performance in the NWSL was a mix of 8-12-2, but Cooper's consistent contributions were pivotal, with the team scoring 30 goals and conceding 36. In the 2023 Challenge Cup, the team's excellence was evident as they finished the group stage with an impressive record of 4-1-1, ultimately topping Group C. Kansas City's journey, however, ended with a heart-wrenching knockout loss, where the decisive goal came in the 90+6th minute by NC Courage, the eventual champions. After scoring 19 goals and 11 assists in 2022 for Duke, Cooper should be a standout scorer for seasons to come with
Mia Gyau – San Diego Wave FC (NWSL) Â
Mia Gyau, a 2020 Blue Devil graduate, showcased her versatility and commitment to her team during the NWSL season. While her playing time in the NWSL was limited to a single appearance against the Houston Dash, her presence on the squad was invaluable. In the Challenge Cup, Gyau drew two starts against OL Reign and Angel City. While San Diego did not make it past group stage, her team performed exceptionally well in the NWSL, finishing in first place with a record of 11-7-4. The team demonstrated defensive solidity, conceding only 23 goals, while scoring 31, with a notable 14.6 pecent conversion rate. Gyau's contributions to the team's success are reflected in their impressive nine clean sheets during the season.
Sophie Jones – Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) Â
Sophie Jones, a 2023 Duke graduate, made her mark with the Chicago Red Stars in the Challenge Cup. In the tournament, she demonstrated her proficiency on the field, featuring in three games and making three starts. Her passing rate was an impressive 88.7 percent, emphasizing her ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively. Jones' contributions go beyond passing, as she also won fouls and provided key passes, showcasing her ability to impact the game in various ways. At Duke, Jones was cornerstone to the team's offensive flow and stability due to her efficient and effective passing. While didn't see action in the NWSL season, her performances in the Challenge Cup highlight her potential and the role she can play for the Chicago Red Stars. Her skill set and versatility make her an asset to the team, and fans can look forward to seeing more of Sophie Jones in the future as she continues to develop and contribute to her team's success as she regains form.
Mackenzie Pluck – Angel City FC (NWSL) Â
Mackenzie Pluck, a 2022 Duke graduate, was signed by Angel City FC prior to the 2023 season, after preseason action. In the Challenge Cup, she played in five matches. Pluck has demonstrated her passing ability with a solid 76.0 percent success pass rate. While didn't see action in the NWSL season, her presence on the roster indicates her potential and the trust the team has in her abilities. Pluck's contributions and development in the 2023 Challenge Cup are a promising sign for her future with Angel City FC, and fans can anticipate her growth as a player in the coming seasons. At Duke, Pluck scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists across a school record 107 appearances where she logged over four days of playing time.
Imani Dorsey – NJ/NY Gotham FC – (NWSL) Â
Imani Dorsey's took the 2023 season off with NJ/NY Gotham FC, but was still a part of the team. The club finished in sixth place, with a record of 8-7-7, where the team scored 31 goals and conceded 30. Dorsey's consistency and defensive efforts were on display during the 2022 season as she recorded 35 tackles, 11 blocks, and an impressive 35 interceptions. Gotham went on to win the 2023 NWSL Championship with a 2-1 victory over OL Reign. Following the season, Dorsey signed with the expansion team, Utah Royals, and is excited to be back on the field in 2024.
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#GoDuke
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Quinn – OL Reign (NWSL) – Canada National Team
During the season, Quinn appeared in 18 contests, drawing 10 starts. Individually, Quinn has continued to impress as a two-way midfielder for the OL reign. Defensively they have been excellent posting a 66.7 percent tackle success rate, winning nearly 60.0 percent of their areal duels. Quinn finished the season with one goal and two assists and three key passes. Furthermore, Quinn was named to the Canadian National Team's 23-player roster for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Quinn started for Canada's group stage matches and they shined in a scoreless draw against Nigeria where they played the entire match, providing a crucial block in the 75th minute and a strong goal line clearance at the end of the first half. In October, Quinn was again named to the Canadian squad where they started and played 90 minutes again Brazil in back-to-back games. At a club level, OL Reign posted a 9-8-5 record and finished fourth in the NWSL. OL Reign advanced to the championship match of the NWSL playoffs, before falling, 2-1, to Gotham. In the 2023 Challenge cup, OL Reign won group B on its way to the Final. Quinn appeared off the bench in a losing effort against the NC Courage. Quinn will be pivotal for OL Reign who should set the bar at competing for titles next season.
Ella Stevens – Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) Â
Ella Stevens, a 2020 Duke graduate, turned in a standout season with the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL. She was a consistent goal-scorer, netting four goals on the year, which tied her 2022 regular season total. Stevens was a consistent presence in the starting lineup, having started 16 out of 22 matches. Her scoring prowess was evident, with her goals stemming from only 16 shots. With most, three of her four goals coming before August, Stevens has the true ability to continue to improve and be a scorer for the Red Stars. Additionally, she has maintained a commendable 70.9 percent pass success rate, contributing to her team's performance. Despite the Red Stars finishing in 12th place in the regular NWSL season with a record of 7-12-3, Stevens' individual contributions were notable. In the 2023 Challengers Cup, her team secured a fourth-place finish in their group with a record of 1-1-4. Stevens continues to be an asset to her team and demonstrates her scoring ability in the hopes to reap the rewards in the competitive NWSL.
Lily Nabet – Angel City FC (NWSL) Â
Lily Nabet, a 2021 Duke graduate, was a valuable presence in the midfield for Angel City FC in the NWSL. During the season, she was featured in 11 games, making five starts, demonstrating her versatility and reliability. Nabet showcased her defensive prowess with a solid 50.0 percent success rate in tackles, while her passing accuracy has been impressive at 77.0 percent. Her contributions were essential to her team's performance in the league. During the Challenge Cup, Nabet continued to make an impact, participating in six games and earning three starts. Her pass success rate remained high at 76.1 percent, emphasizing her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. In the NWSL, her team finished in fifth with a record of 8-7-7, scoring a total of 31 goals. Additionally, in the 2023 Challenge Cup, her team posted a record of 2-2-2 in the group stage. Nabet's versatility and consistent performance were instrumental in Angel City FC's campaigns, both in the league and the Challengers Cup.
Caitlin Cosme – Orlando Pride (NWSL) Â
Caitlin Cosme made her presence felt with the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. On the season, Cosme made four starts in four games where her pass success rate in her defensive half stood at an impressive 89.0 percent, showcasing her ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively. Additionally, during the Challenge Cup, she earned two starts in two games and displayed her defensive skills with a 66.7 percent success rate in tackles. Cosme, a 2021 Duke graduate, also contributed an assist in a match against Washington, highlighting her ability to create scoring opportunities for her team. Despite her individual contributions, Orlando Pride finished in the seventh in the NWSL with a record of 10-11-1, scoring a total of 27 goals. Unfortunately, in the 2023 Challengers Cup, her team faced challenges and failed to secure a victory in the tournament.
Tess Boade – NC Courage (NWSL) Â
Tess Boade, made a significant impact as routine starter with the NC Courage in the NWSL. Boade played in 13 games, while making 12 starts, and totaled 804 minutes on the field. Her impressive pass success rate of 82.5 percent reflects her ability to maintain possession and facilitate play for her team. During the Challenge Cup, Boade started in all five games. She scored her first professional goal in a match against Washington on July 22 and provided an assist on the same day! Boade also contributed to her team's offensive efforts with two assists and her first NWSL goal against Chicago on August 27. In the NWSL, her team finished in third-place with a record of 9-7-6, scoring 29 goals and conceding 24. In the 2023 Challengers Cup, NC Courage posted a record of 3-2-1 in the group stage, with an impressive 15 goals scored. They ultimately won the championship by defeating Racing Louisville, 2-0, in the final. Boade's versatility secured their victory in the Challenge Cup and she is a key asset for the Courage. She was selected third overall in the 2024 Expansion Draft and will play for Bay FC next season. Â
Michelle Cooper – KC Current (NWSL) Â
Michelle Cooper's 2023 rookie NWSL season with the Kansas City Current was nothing short of impressive, after being the No. 2 pick in last year's draft. On the season, she played 21 games, starting 17. Cooper impressively found the back of the net three times from 16 shots on target this season, including a memorable sequence of back-to-back goals in late July against Portland Thorns FC and Louisville. Notably, Cooper turned in an exceptional 83.9 percent tackle success rate as a forward. In the 2023 Challenge Cup, Cooper was featured in all six games with six starts, where she scored a goal. KC Current's overall season performance in the NWSL was a mix of 8-12-2, but Cooper's consistent contributions were pivotal, with the team scoring 30 goals and conceding 36. In the 2023 Challenge Cup, the team's excellence was evident as they finished the group stage with an impressive record of 4-1-1, ultimately topping Group C. Kansas City's journey, however, ended with a heart-wrenching knockout loss, where the decisive goal came in the 90+6th minute by NC Courage, the eventual champions. After scoring 19 goals and 11 assists in 2022 for Duke, Cooper should be a standout scorer for seasons to come with
Mia Gyau – San Diego Wave FC (NWSL) Â
Mia Gyau, a 2020 Blue Devil graduate, showcased her versatility and commitment to her team during the NWSL season. While her playing time in the NWSL was limited to a single appearance against the Houston Dash, her presence on the squad was invaluable. In the Challenge Cup, Gyau drew two starts against OL Reign and Angel City. While San Diego did not make it past group stage, her team performed exceptionally well in the NWSL, finishing in first place with a record of 11-7-4. The team demonstrated defensive solidity, conceding only 23 goals, while scoring 31, with a notable 14.6 pecent conversion rate. Gyau's contributions to the team's success are reflected in their impressive nine clean sheets during the season.
Sophie Jones – Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) Â
Sophie Jones, a 2023 Duke graduate, made her mark with the Chicago Red Stars in the Challenge Cup. In the tournament, she demonstrated her proficiency on the field, featuring in three games and making three starts. Her passing rate was an impressive 88.7 percent, emphasizing her ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively. Jones' contributions go beyond passing, as she also won fouls and provided key passes, showcasing her ability to impact the game in various ways. At Duke, Jones was cornerstone to the team's offensive flow and stability due to her efficient and effective passing. While didn't see action in the NWSL season, her performances in the Challenge Cup highlight her potential and the role she can play for the Chicago Red Stars. Her skill set and versatility make her an asset to the team, and fans can look forward to seeing more of Sophie Jones in the future as she continues to develop and contribute to her team's success as she regains form.
Mackenzie Pluck – Angel City FC (NWSL) Â
Mackenzie Pluck, a 2022 Duke graduate, was signed by Angel City FC prior to the 2023 season, after preseason action. In the Challenge Cup, she played in five matches. Pluck has demonstrated her passing ability with a solid 76.0 percent success pass rate. While didn't see action in the NWSL season, her presence on the roster indicates her potential and the trust the team has in her abilities. Pluck's contributions and development in the 2023 Challenge Cup are a promising sign for her future with Angel City FC, and fans can anticipate her growth as a player in the coming seasons. At Duke, Pluck scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists across a school record 107 appearances where she logged over four days of playing time.
Imani Dorsey – NJ/NY Gotham FC – (NWSL) Â
Imani Dorsey's took the 2023 season off with NJ/NY Gotham FC, but was still a part of the team. The club finished in sixth place, with a record of 8-7-7, where the team scored 31 goals and conceded 30. Dorsey's consistency and defensive efforts were on display during the 2022 season as she recorded 35 tackles, 11 blocks, and an impressive 35 interceptions. Gotham went on to win the 2023 NWSL Championship with a 2-1 victory over OL Reign. Following the season, Dorsey signed with the expansion team, Utah Royals, and is excited to be back on the field in 2024.
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#GoDuke
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