Angel City defender Sarah Gorden has been named to the 2023 NWSL Best XI first team, while midfielder Savannah McCaskill and defender MA Vignola earned second team honors. The awards follow a remarkable midseason turnaround that saw the team earn the best record in the league over the second half of the season. The three winners this year are the first Best XI honorees in ACFC history.
In her first active season with Angel City—she signed with the club in 2022 but sat out all season following an ACL injury in preseason—Gorden played every minute for the club, the only player on the roster to do so. It was her second time earning the Iron Woman title; she previously played every minute for the Chicago Red Stars in 2021. She was also named to the Best XI first team that year.
Gorden was an indispensable presence for Angel City on the back line. Her remarkable speed and athleticism all but neutralized opponents' ability to score on transition, while her vision and accuracy with long-range passes contributed to the team's attack.
McCaskill was an ever-present link in ACFC's offense, serving to shuttle the ball between the midfield and the forward line more than any other player: she ranked second in the league in through balls and seventh in chances created. She was also in the top 10 leaguewide for passes into the final third—the only non-defender to earn that distinction—which indicates that she did work throughout the midfield, not just in the pocket in front of opposing back lines where No. 10s typically make an impact.
Like Gorden, Vignola sat out (almost) the entire 2022 season due to injury. This NWSL newcomer, whose only previous professional experience was in Iceland, made a big splash in 2023, establishing herself as one of the top attacking outside backs in the league. On top of her three goals on the season—tied for second most among defenders—she ranked fourth among defenders in shots and shots on goal per 90 and seventh in that group in crosses per 90.