Sonis Named NWSL MVP, Defender of the Year Finalist
Denver Summit FC co-captain Janine Sonis is a finalist for two NWSL awards after a career-best season.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Soccer
Janine Sonis, a defender for Denver Summit FC, was named a finalist for NWSL Most Valuable Player and Defender of the Year. The league announced the finalist selections on Monday.
Why it matters
Sonis's selection reflects a career-best season in which she posted 20 goal contributions in 30 games, placing her among the league's leading contributors. For Denver, it highlights a local player recognized at the highest level of the women's professional game.
Sonis recorded 12 goals and eight assists this season, totaling 20 goal contributions in 30 games, compared with 17 career goal contributions across 69 appearances in her previous four NWSL seasons. Winners of both awards will not be known until the league announces them.
The players
Janine Sonis
Sonis is a defender for Denver Summit FC who serves as the team's co-captain and has become one of the NWSL's top contributors.
Denver Summit FC
Denver Summit FC is a National Women's Soccer League club based in Denver, Colorado.
National Women's Soccer League
The NWSL is the top professional women's soccer league in the United States, which selects annual award winners.
The details
Fans can vote for Sonis through the NWSL website. Sonis, who is also co-captain of Denver Summit FC, finished tied for fourth in goals and assists and third in total goal contributions this season.
Timeline
2026 season: Sonis recorded her career-best goal and assist totals.
Monday: The NWSL announced Sonis as a finalist for both awards.
November 18, 2026: The 2026 NWSL Awards winners will be announced.
Season Trajectory
Sonis's finalist selections for MVP and Defender of the Year come as Denver Summit FC's co-captain completed a season that ranked among the league's top contributors. Her recognition sits within the NWSL's annual awards cycle, which culminates with winners named at the 2026 NWSL Awards.
Fantasy managers and NWSL followers can use Sonis's 20 goal contributions as a benchmark for defenders in the league. The November 18 announcement will settle both awards.
The takeaway
Sonis's dual finalist status shows that a defender can post offensive numbers rarely seen at her position. Readers following the league can track how the November 18 announcement compares with the season totals behind these nominations.
What happens next
The 2026 NWSL Awards winners will be announced on November 18, 2026, when the MVP and Defender of the Year honors will be decided.
Further reading
For more on the local club, see Soccer coverage of Denver's professional teams.
