Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton named UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Tournament MVP, presented by Bud Light

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton has been voted the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup MVP, presented by Bud Light. Hamilton and Current midfielder Debinha have both been named to the All-Tournament team as well. 

The Current won the NWSL’s Central Division for the second straight season, thanks in large part to both players. The two players accounted for eight of the team’s 14 goals during the tournament, setting league and club records along the way. 

Kristen Hamilton (MVP, All-Tournament Team) – Kristen Hamilton put the league on notice with her performance throughout the 2023 Challenge Cup. She tied her own club record with five goals in group play and became the first player in NWSL history to score a Challenge Cup hat trick when she provided all of the team’s scoring in a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dash July 22 at home. She followed that performance with a brace against Racing Louisville August 5 that clinched the Central Division and qualified the Current for the tournament semifinal. Her 81st minute score in that match also tied the all-time record for career Challenge Cup goals with 12. This is Hamilton’s second straight season on the All-Tournament team and her first Tournament MVP.

Debinha (All-Tournament Team) – Debinha is the most decorated player in Challenge Cup history, winning the tournament MVP two times and being named to every edition of the Challenge Cup All-Tournament team. Despite missing three games of this year’s tournament while she was playing for her home country in the World Cup, the crafty midfielder scored three goals and became the first player in league history to score 10 or more career goals with her 88th minute score against Racing Louisville May 17. She finished the tournament with three scores in three games, including a brace in a 4-0 Kansas City win. Her 12 career NWSL goals are tied with Hamilton for the NWSL career record. 

The full list of Challenge Cup awards is listed below:

2023 UKG NWSL CHALLENGE CUP TOURNAMENT MVP:
Kristen Hamilton (Kansas City Current)

2023 UKG NWSL CHALLENGE CUP ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:
GK: Katie Lund (Racing Louisville)
D: Malia Berkely (North Carolina Courage), Abby Erceg (Racing Louisville), Shae Holmes (OL Reign), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), 
MF: Debinha (Kansas City Current), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville)
F: Kristen Hamilton (Kansas City Current), Brittany Ratcliffe (North Carolina Courage)