Denver Summit’s Janine Sonis Rises as Top Contender for NWSL MVP
With the conclusion of the NWSL regular season, the top eight teams are set to compete in the playoffs in pursuit of the championship title. As the playoffs approach, discussions among league observers will focus on the selection of the league’s Best XI, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, and other accolades. A particularly challenging decision lies ahead—the naming of the Most Valuable Player (MVP)—with many athletes showcasing remarkable performances this season.
Among the standout players is Janine Sonis of the Denver Summit, who enjoyed one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory.
The Janine Sonis Stat Sheet
Sonis played a pivotal role in the Summit’s inaugural season. She assisted in scoring the team’s first-ever goal during their opening match and made headlines when she received the franchise’s first red card shortly thereafter. Despite being suspended for one match, she participated in every subsequent minute of the season for Denver, compiling extraordinary statistics.
With 12 goals and eight assists, Sonis contributed 20 goal involvements, trailing only North Carolina’s Ashley Sanchez and Orlando’s Barbra Banda in the league. Her performance exceeded expectations, as she outperformed her anticipated goals and assists (xG and xA), far exceeding the 11.3 initially projected. Furthermore, she ranked among the top ten in the league for both chances created and big chances created.
Sonis established herself at the top left corner of the opponent’s box throughout the season, forcing goalkeepers to be wary of her striking ability and prompting defenders to stay alert due to her precise deliveries. It’s worth noting that Sonis achieved these results while playing as a fullback, marking her as one of the league’s leading scorers from the defensive line.
Defensively, Sonis excelled as well; despite defensive statistics being more challenging to quantify, she was one of Denver’s top three players in tackles, recoveries, clearances, and defensive contributions. Additionally, she recorded the highest FotMob rating in the entire NWSL.
Janine Sonis’ Value to Denver Summit
Sonis not only leads in statistics but also stands out as a key figure on and off the pitch for the Denver Summit. Serving as one of the team captains, she demonstrated exceptional football knowledge and leadership, which her coaching staff recognized early in the season. Her intelligence on the field facilitated critical gameplay decisions, and she consistently took charge of corners and free-kicks, creating valuable scoring opportunities for her team.
Throughout the regular season, Denver remained competitive for a playoff spot until the very end, largely due to Sonis’ leadership. Her ability to provide guidance to teammates, cheer them on, and promote a positive team spirit played an integral part in the Summit’s cohesion and success.
In summary, Janine Sonis has been instrumental to the Denver Summit’s achievements this season. She operates at the peak of her capabilities, elevating her teammates’ performance through her skill and guidance. The statistics, the success of the team, and the quality of play on the field all underscore her candidacy. As the season progresses, many hope the story of Janine Sonis will culminate in her being named the NWSL MVP for 2026.
