Metuchen, NJ — The United Women’s Soccer Central Conference provided the league’s National Champions in the 2022 season, with Chicago Mustangs taking home the title. There were several standout individuals throughout the conference deserving of recognition as well. Kaylin Williams sparkled in net for KC Courage, while Rachel Kutella and Nina Nicosia were outstanding in defense and attack for Chicago Mustangs. After leading the Mustangs to a title, Dino Delevski claimed the conference’s Coach of the Year honors.
Kaylin Williams once again earned her place as a Central Conference award recipient after a phenomenal season with KC Courage. Williams formed the backbone of one of the best defenses throughout UWS this season, allowing only four goals in seven regular-season appearances. She also turned in a heroic effort in the Central Conference Final, compiling five saves despite falling short against Chicago Mustangs.
Rachel Kutella claimed Central Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors after captaining Chicago Mustangs to the UWS National Championship. Kutella was ever present for the champions, playing every minute of every game. Her technical skills, intelligence and leadership ability made her a vital rock at the back for a Chicago Mustangs side that conceded only four goals in eight regular-season games.
Nina Nicosia was honored as the Central Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year following a season that saw her become one of the standout attacking forces in the country. An expert technician from her position in the attacking midfield, Nicosia tallied 12 regular-season goals and 10 assists to lead the league. She was also a vital part of her side’s run to a title, providing two goals and three assists in the playoffs. She’ll make a well-deserved move to the professional ranks this fall.
No team in UWS had a more daunting postseason run to a national title, but Dino Delevski led his Chicago Mustangs side to glory anyway. Delevski’s influence on and off the pitch has been evident for all to see in two years at the UWS level. Chicago Mustangs led the nation in regular-season goals by a large margin with 60, while conceding only four times. They won three Central Conference playoff games before advancing to the National Championship Tournament, where Delevski helped his side rattle off two more victories. Over the last two seasons, his side has played 24 games and claimed 22 wins.
GK – Kaylin Williams (KC Courage)
D – Rachel Kutella (Chicago Mustangs)
D – Yulexi Diaz (Chicago Mustangs)
D – Nina Norshie (KC Courage)
M – Nina Nicosia (Chicago Mustangs)
M – Hannah Bebar (Chicago Mustangs)
F – Courtney Claassen (KC Courage)
F – Rafiatu Alhassan (KC Courage)
F – Olivia Thomas (Corktown Hawks)
F – Aubrey Mister (St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
F – Julia Simon (Chicago Mustangs)
GK – Mallorie Lund (FC Wichita)
D – Kenzi Gillispie (FC Wichita)
D – Lyric Schmidt (St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
D – Olivia Rush (Corktown Hawks)
D – Abigail Small (KC Courage)
M – Carol Soto (Chicago Mustangs)
M – Sophia Nguyen (Nationals FC)
M – Grace Ostergaard (Gretna Elite)
F – Ari Mondiri (Gretna Elite)
F – Alexa Fraley (Indiana Union)
F – Lindsey Prokop (Sporting Nebraska)
D – Rachel Kutella (Chicago Mustangs)
D – Nina Norshie (KC Courage)
M – Nina Nicosia (Chicago Mustangs)
M – Sydney Ernst (St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
F – Courtney Claassen (KC Courage)
