League: NWSL Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Tara Rudd, Kate del Fava, Perle Morroni vie for NWSL Defender of the Year

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 3:15 PM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Tara Rudd, Kate del Fava, Perle Morroni vie for NWSL Defender of the Year

Summary

The race for the 2026 NWSL Defender of the Year includes standout defenders Tara Rudd of Washington Spirit, Kate del Fava of Utah Royals, and Perle Morroni of San Diego. Rudd has been a key part of the Washington defense, starting all 19 games with impressive stats in clearances and interceptions. Del Fava has also played every match, contributing defensively and scoring two goals, while Morroni's high volume of defensive actions has helped San Diego maintain a competitive position in the table. As the season progresses, each player's performance will be crucial in their teams' playoff aspirations.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Rudd has started all 19 games for Washington Spirit this season.
•Del Fava has made 96 clearances, among the highest in the league.
•Morroni has contributed 244 defensive actions for San Diego.
•Each defender's performance could influence playoff standings.
•The 2026 NWSL season continues to highlight strong defensive talents.

Latest Updates

3:15 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NWSL Defender of the Year race: Who’s tackling this award?

What they're saying

"
Pick your fighter: Washington Spirit’s Tara Rudd, Utah Royals’ Kate Del Fava or San Diego’s Perle Morroni? All of them could take the Defender of the Year ward home in the 2026 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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NWSL Soccer