Rookie forward Jordynn Dudley has put in some dazzling performances, helping spark Gotham FC’s attack to three consecutive NWSL victories.
On Monday, the 21-year-old rising star was named the NWSL Rookie of the Month for April.
Dudley’s rapid runs, goal-getting instincts, deft turns, key passes and defensive contributions add up to a complete forward. It’s hard to believe that she is only eight games into her professional career, given how mature her game is as a rookie.
Dudley’s Numbers Among the NWSL’s Best in April
The 5-foot-11 forward led all first-year NWSL players in April with eight shots, four shots on target and seven chances created. Among all NWSL players, her seven chances created tied for fourth overall.
Dudley has recorded three goal contributions (one goal, two assists) over her past three matches, including an assist in Gotham’s 1-0 home victory over Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
The pacey forward turned on the jets and breezed into the box and served up a simple finish for goalscorer Jaedyn Shaw in the 16th minute.
“She’s been doing so well,” Shaw said of Dudley following the match in the mixed zone. “She’s been so helpful for us, coming in and being dynamic on and off the ball. She can post up, dribble, run in behind and combine. It’s been really fun to play off of her, and we’re excited to continue to play with her.”
Juan Carlos Amorós: ‘Everyone Knew She Could Make a Difference’
Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised Dudley’s assortment of skills and highlighted her positive attitude as well as her composure.
“Jordynn has been fantastic,” Amorós explained during his post-match press conference. “Everyone knew she could make a difference, but her commitment to defend, press and counter press is part of the DNA of Gotham. She is generous and humble, and she plays for the team. She’s growing and developing, and the players around her love playing with her.
“She does the things that not everyone likes doing, and she does them all. She’s a player with character. She handles the physicality and fouls well. At the end of the game, she showed great game management. She really stepped up and made a difference.”
Amorós also stated that Dudley’s impressive performances have placed her among NWSL Rookie of the Year favorites.
“I said at the beginning of the year that for me she was one of the main contenders to have a great year, probably in the Rookie of the Year [conversation] because her ability is [without] any doubt,” Amorós said. “Her ability and her ceiling is extremely high.”
Last season, teammate Lilly Reale took home the NWSL Rookie of the Year Award, and it’s possible that Dudley could earn the club consecutive ROY winners.
Teammates Praise Dudley’s Personality and Potential
Defender Jess Carter spoke glowingly of Dudley’s competitive traits when interviewed in the mixed zone.
“She’s a really talented player, but not only that, she works hard,” Carter said. “She’s kind of feisty as well, which I quite like. She gives us a different dynamic, someone to stretch the opposition and get on the ball running in behind. It’s nice that we have that to add to our game.
“She’s a quiet one, really, really quiet. I think that’s why the feistiness comes out more. She trains the same way that she plays. It’s great for us as defenders to go up against someone who is going to test us [in training] and stretch the back line. We’re lucky to have that in abundance with our forwards.”
Forward Midge Purce believes that Dudley is just starting to flash her potential.
“She’s been remarkable, and it’s been so fun to watch her come into her own confidence at the highest level,” Purce said. “I’m so excited for her, and I think we still have yet to see the best from her.”
If this version of Dudley is just beginning to find her feet in the NWSL, it’s going to be extremely difficult for opposition defenses to contain her once she has added more experience and knowledge to her already blossoming game.
Dudley and Gotham will look to continue their winning ways when they face Boston Legacy FC on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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