Similar to a sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Fantasy NWSL is all about finding clean sheets at a reasonable price. So far in 2023, the two Cascadia rivals appear to have the most reliable defenses. Portland and OL Reign have each conceded only once this season, as has Houston. While you definitely can’t go wrong with Bixby, Klingenberg, Kuikka, Sauerbrunn, and company, because of the premium value of Portland attacking players, I’d recommend using your Thorns slots at MF and FW and look elsewhere for your back line and goalkeepers. So far, OL Reign have by far the lowest xGA (expected goals allowed) with 1.2, so let’s dive into the fantasy options in Seattle.
OL Reign have primarily been playing a 4-2-3-1, with five of their starters classified as DF for Fantasy NWSL: Lauren Barnes ($350k), Alana Cook ($250k), Sofia Huerta ($400k), Sam Hiatt ($150k), and Emily Sonnett ($225k). Huerta has logged the most fantasy points with 20, but all five have at least 14. Since they will all get the same points for clean sheets, let’s take a look at their individual defensive stats:
- Most tackles: Sonnett
- Most interceptions: Barnes
- Most clearances: Cook
- Most duels won: Barnes
Considering the relative value of clearances and duels compared to tackles and interceptions, and the lower cost, Alana Cook may be the most valuable, but any OL Reign DF should be a good option for the foreseeable future. At only $150k, Sam Hiatt could prove to be the highest-value DF in Fantasy NWSL by season’s end.
Their teammate Phallon Tullis-Joyce is also likely the best GK to start on your team, but if you are looking to save some money, consider Houston’s Jane Campbell ($200k) or North Carolina’s Casey Murphy ($250k). Campbell has logged the highest save percentage so far, and the Dash have the third-fewest xGA at 2.1. The Courage are in fourth place with 2.4 xGA and have some favorable matchups over the next few weeks.