But now, all newbies need to get noticed organically. Some signings may have been flashier than others, but a first-year pro’s performance on the court is now the main determinant of how much attention is given to her. It’s better this way, and when a player breaks through, it’s even more exciting.
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That’s why this week’s three words are about San Diego Wave midfielder Lia Godfrey, who is enjoying a stellar start with the NWSL’s number one team.
Most valuable rookie
Godfrey, 24, a University of Virginia graduate and 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, signed with the Wave on Dec. 30, 2025. It was a quiet announcement amid the New Year’s Eve confetti and debate over the league’s recently announced High Impact Player rule. But four months into his pro career, Godfrey’s play has been the loudest of any rookie in the league. He has scored four goals in just five shots on goal and has provided one assist in six games, four of which he started. Two of his goals won the game and, according to FotMob, he has an xG (expected goals) of 1.45, all of which has helped put the Wave at the top of the table.
His first goal came against the Utah Royals on March 22. Entering the game in the 59th minute, with the Wave tied with their hosts, Godfrey received a penetrating ball from fellow midfielder and veteran Kenza Dali in the box. One touch to cushion the pass and another to shoot was all it took. Neither action had the extravagance that many of Godfrey’s teammates are known for, but both were efficient. He carries himself with an inner confidence that has a stabilizing effect on the Wave as the team works on the disciplined art they hope to maintain throughout the season.
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Godfrey appeared with the same energy three days later, when the Wave hosted the Portland Thorns. That goal materialized in similarly instinctive fashion, as Godfrey’s timely positioning inside the box (where five of his six shots on target have been taken) allowed him to latch onto a recycled ball and bury his attempt for his second go-ahead goal this season.
“In the midfield, including Kimmi (Ascanio), I think there are a lot of creative minds and versatility in those positions,” Godfrey said at a news conference after Utah’s win. “I think building those relationships between the four of us and being able to play one-two is contributing a lot to our success.”
His third goal is the best of the group, specifically because of how he manipulated the ball without touching it. In the 56th minute of San Diego’s game against the Chicago Stars, Godfrey received an incisive pass from Brazilian winger Dudinha (who also assisted on his second goal) and used his body to shield the ball from his opponent. He then rinsed and repeated the shot: a gentle touch to settle the ball to his liking, followed by another calmly slotted shot.
Godfrey got it back this weekend in the Wave’s impressive comeback victory over Denver Summit, this time on a cheeky lob from 18-year-old Ascanio.
That outing, plus an assist against Summit that made the score 2-2 before a Denver own goal secured San Diego’s victory, has put Godfrey behind Barbra Banda in the race for the NWSL Golden Boot. Not only is she in a class of her own among other rookies in the league, but Godfrey has already proven to be one of the most important additions to the Wave’s roster this season, which is no small feat when that roster includes names like Catarina Macario (who is still out with injury) and Gabi Portilho.
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Godfrey and the Wave’s next big test comes Wednesday night in Portland, with the Thorns sitting just behind San Diego in second place in the standings. If this seems like déjá vu, it’s because the two met five weeks ago. The Thorns don’t make a habit of losing at Providence Park, much less by a score of 3-1 like they did when they played the Wave on the road. Since then, Wilson also opened her scoring account, with her first goal since becoming a mother, to add to Portland’s attack.
Is it too early to start choosing nominations for the Rookie of the Year award? Probably. The NWSL season is long, a juggernaut compared to an NCAA campaign, and offers all the young players plenty of time to experience the undulations of this league’s chaos. In many ways, Godfrey’s form transcends that conversation. If he continues to rise with the Wave this season, that story will develop organically as well.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Portland Thorns, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, Angel City, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave, Utah Royals FC, Bay FC, Denver Summit FC, Boston Legacy FC, NWSL, Women’s Soccer
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