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FIFA 23: Here’s how Coloradans are rated as NWSL players, clubs will be in video game series for first time

If gamers open up FIFA 23 across all consoles next Thursday, there will be a significant update to the famed video game franchise: Fans will be able to pick and play as a National Women’s Soccer League team.

Starting March 23, all 12 NWSL teams will be available for selection, which marks the first time the league has been available to play since the franchise first started in 1994. In various iterations, women’s national teams have been added, when initial licensing was first approved and were available in FIFA 16. Ahead of the launch last fall, the top domestic leagues in England, Germany and France were also added with licensing agreements in place.

EA Sports, the maker of the FIFA series, had also secured a licensing agreement with the NWSL Players’ Association to secure name, image and likeness rights. Now that players are in the game, it can ultimately play a key factor for continuing the growth of the sport. The series is widely viewed as a launch pad for gamers across the globe to become familiar with soccer’s iconic club teams and stand-out players.

On Friday, EA Sports released its inaugural ratings for NWSL players, and Coloradans stood out.

Windsor’s Sophia Smith, the reigning league MVP, was featured heavily in the trailer. Smith, who was the youngest player to ever win the award last fall, was the league’s third-highest rated player at an 87 overall, which was tied with OL Reign’s Rose Lavelle and Highlands Ranch native Mallory Swanson (née Pugh), a striker for the Chicago Red Stars. Fans can even pit Coloradans against one another from the European game as Olympique Lyonnais in France is available for selection, and that’s where Golden’s Lindsey Horan (also rated an 87) plays her club soccer.

San Diego Wave’s Alex Morgan (90) and Kansas City Current’s Debinha (88) were the league’s two highest-rated players, respectively.

Here’s every Coloradan who will be available to play as in FIFA 23, and what they are ranked.

Colorado women in FIFA 23

PlayerTeamAgeHometownPos.Rating

Sophia SmithPortland22WindsorST87
Mallory SwansonChicago24Highlands RanchLW87
Lindsey HoranLyon28GoldenCM86
Taylor Korenieck*San Diego24Las VegasCAM80
Janine Beckie^Portland28Highlands RanchLM79
Jaelin HowellLouisville23Lone TreeCDM77
Jordan BaggettWashington26LittletonCAM77
Estelle Johnston#North Carolina34Fort CollinsCB77
Kristen HamiltonKansas City30LittletonST75
Lauren MillietLouisville26DurangoCAM75
Ryan WilliamsNorth Carolina27CentennialRB75
Alex LoeraKansas City23ThorntonCB74
Ally WattOrlando26Colorado SpringsST73
Brittany IsenhourAngel City25LittletonGK72
Natalie BeckmanPortland22DenverRB71

* Played collegiately at the University of Colorado Boulder
^ Grew up in Highlands Ranch; represents Canada at international level
# Grew up in Fort Collins; represents Cameroon at international level

It’s worth noting that the rosters for NWSL teams have not been finalized yet. However, as of the latest club updates, three Coloradans are fighting for final roster spots, plus five local players who were 2023 NWSL draft picks have yet to be finalized, and could be added to the game at a later date.

The 2023 NWSL season starts March 25.

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