**CHICAGO (November 15, 2021) –** 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 bastion of the Gotham FC 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 FC's defensive half, making 49 clearances and 49 interceptions on the year. 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 FC'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

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