Ann-Katrin Berger is the 2024 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year

NJ/NY Gotham FC had a fantastic season that led to many on the team being awarded with honors. Five players were on the Best XI teams while head coach Juan Carlos Amorós and Ann-Katrin Berger were nominated for the 2024 NWSL Awards. Amorós did not win Coach of the Year after winning in 2023, for that award went to the Orlando Pride's Seb Hines. Truthfully, the Orlando head coach deserved it after he led his side to one of the best seasons in NWSL history.

However, the honors continued on Wednesday for Gotham FC. Berger was announced as the Goalkeeper of the Year. The German international joined the Bats at the beginning of the season and won the starting job over Cassie Miller. From that moment, she took the league by storm.

Ann-Katrin Berger deserves to be Goalkeeper of the Year

Berger played in 24 matches in the NWSL, including the regular season and playoffs. She had 77 saves, which is not the most. However, the backline in front of her reduced the number of shots she faced. In the regular season, she had the second-highest save percentage, 82.5%, or 80.49, depending on what source one utilizes. Plus, she had the third-most wins, 16. Of goalkeepers who started double-digit games, she allowed the fewest goals, also 16.

It is not only about the stats, but the type of saves Berger made. There were quite a few that would be considered as the Save of the Year. She had numerous where she had to stretch out completely. Gotham has had great players between the sticks over the last couple of years, but the German was at a whole other level.

Unquestionably, Berger deserved to be named Goalkeeper of the Year. Her fellow nominees, former Gotham FC player Mandy Haught of Utah Royals FC and Anna Moorhouse of the Orlando Pride, were also deserving of the honor. However, Berger's performances throughout the season led to this win.

On a side note, the writer of this piece would like to publicly apologize to Berger. When the goalkeeper was signed, there were questions as to why. Miller was doing a good job and some thought Abby Smith would have returned sooner. It was thought the German could do well in the NWSL, but admittedly, it was not expected she would be this good.

So, Berger, from the bottom of my heart, I apologize for not knowing how great you are. Thank you for giving your all between the sticks and for being a great player for the Bats this season.

In the end, the Gotham FC goalkeeper had an incredible season and now ends it with the Goalkeeper of the Year. What does 2025 have in store for Berger? Everyone cannot wait to see what happens next year.