San Diego Wave’s Delphine Cascarino a finalist for NWSL MVP award

San Diego Wave star Delphine Cascarino has been named a finalist for the National Women’s Soccer League’s MVP award.

The French forward finished the 2025 season tied for the team lead with five goals and first with six assists. She was the only player in the league to record at least five goals and five assists in the regular season.

Cascarino is one of five finalists, alongside the Kansas City Current’s Temwa Chawinga and Bia Zaneratto, Esther González of NJ/NY Gotham FC and Manaka Matsukubo of the North Carolina Courage.

Additionally, the Wave’s Kenza Dali is a finalist for the league’s Midfielder of the Year award. The only player to start all 26 matches for San Diego during the regular season, Dali led the Wave in shots, shots on target, chances created, corners, and minutes played. The Wave’s season ended Sunday with a 1-0 overtime loss to the Portland Thorns in the first round of the NWSL playoffs.

The NWSL award finalists were determined by the league’s players, owners, general managers, coaches and media. Fans can vote through 5 p.m. Wednesday to help determine the winner. The winners will be announced as part of the inaugural NWSL Awards show, which will air Nov. 19 on ESPN2.