Five players who will take the next step in 2023

2022 will go down as a monumental year for women's soccer. There were many injuries to star players. 2023 will be the "Year of the Comeback" due to the World Cup and many other events. Here are five players who I think will make the leap this year.

Jun Endo scored the second goal in the opening game of the NWSL regular season. She played in a new position for Angel City. Endos is a playmaker. She has a year of experience and is preparing for the World Cup. Angel has some needs in midfield this season and Endoes is poised to fill them.

Emily Fox was a former #1 draft pick. She played for Racing Louisville last season. Fox suffered a concussion last year. Her runs from deep on the left or centrally are dangerous. She is the starting left back for the USWNT. I expect her to get closer to her ceiling this year than she ever has.

Victoria Pickett played for Kansas City last season. She was traded to NJ/NY Gotham FC in August. Picket has been named by Bev Priestman as a bubble player for her native Canada. She should have a major impact as Gotham's attacking midfielder this coming season with Onumonu, Purce and Smith on the front line.

Brianna Pinto was traded from Gotham FC to the North Carolina Courage last season. She started playing in midfield for the Courage third of the season and helped them to finish the regular season in the top spot. Pinto is a former Hermann Trophy finalist.

Jaedyn Shaw made her professional debut for San Diego Wave FC last season. She scored three goals in her first season and is expected to grow in confidence and ability. Brianna Pinto scored 2 goals and made 1 assist in 22 games for ACFC this season, Jun Endo started all 22 matches for the club. Jaelin Howell, Sam Hiatt, Bruninha, Elyse Bennett, and Haley Bugeja are honorable mentions.