NWSL Team of the Week: Standout Performances Across the Pitch

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) continues to deliver high-intensity action, and this week’s Team of the Week reflects the league’s depth of talent. From match-winning saves to creative midfield mastery, these players have made strong cases for recognition at both the club and international level. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top selections, including potential U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) contenders.

Goalkeeper of the Week

Lorena (Kansas City Current)

Once vulnerable to conceding multiple goals, the Kansas City Current have tightened up at the back thanks to Lorena’s commanding presence between the posts. Facing a dangerous Portland Thorns attack, she made five crucial saves, including stops from point-blank range, to secure a vital clean sheet. Her performance underscores why she’s become indispensable to the Current’s resurgence.

Defensive Unit

Lisa Boattin (Houston Dash)

Italian international Lisa Boattin anchored the Houston Dash backline with outstanding discipline. Leading her team with four tackles, she neutralized several key Thorns attacks and helped restore confidence to the Dash’s defensive structure. Boattin’s performances consistently deliver the solidity Houston needs to climb the standings.

Rafaelle (Orlando Pride)

Rafaelle’s return to the starting XI was met with immediate impact. The Brazilian center back tallied eight clearances and seven interceptions en route to Orlando’s clean sheet. Her aerial dominance and positional awareness exemplify why she remains a vital part of the Pride defense.

Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign FC)

Veteran defender Sofia Huerta etched her name in NWSL history by scoring on her 200th career start—becoming the only player to find the net in every season since her debut in 2015. Beyond her historic goal, Huerta contributed defensively with four recoveries, demonstrating her dual threat as both a scorer and stopper.

Uno Shiragaki (North Carolina Courage)

Uno Shiragaki has quietly elevated the North Carolina Courage’s backline. This weekend, she led the starting defense with four interceptions and played a key role in transitioning play from defense to attack. Her calm distribution and defensive intelligence underpin the Courage’s growing consistency.

Midfield Maestros

Croix Bethune (Kansas City Current)

Creativity and vision define Croix Bethune’s game, and her assist this week kept her firmly in the conversation for a USWNT call-up. Pulling the strings in midfield, Bethune completed 85% of her passes and delivered a decisive through ball that split the Thorns’ defense. Her performance highlights why she remains one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.

Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals FC)

Japanese international Mina Tanaka continues to shine as a complete midfielder. Responsible for orchestrating Utah’s attacks, she converted a high-pressure penalty kick to secure a 1–0 victory. Her composure under pressure and ability to drive forward make her indispensable to the Royals’ title ambitions.

Luana (Orlando Pride)

After a courageous return from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Brazilian midfielder Luana earned her first start of the season and instantly made an impact. She provided a perfectly weighted long pass that led to Nicole Payne’s game-winning goal, proving her return to full fitness and her importance to Orlando’s midfield engine.

Forwards in Focus

Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

“It’s Temwa time,” and this week was no exception. Chawinga delivered a one-goal, one-assist performance that underscored her all-round game. Pressing relentlessly off the ball and linking up seamlessly, the Malawian striker continues to justify her spot among the league’s elite forwards.

Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)

Winger Ashley Sanchez is enjoying a breakthrough season after shifting from attacking midfielder to wide attacker. Her goal this week combined individual skill and clinical finishing, strengthening her case for USWNT roster consideration. Sanchez’s growing threat on the wing is becoming a headache for opposing defenses.

Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars FC)

Returning from maternity leave, Mallory Swanson wasted no time finding the net in just her second appearance of the season. Her instinctive finish showcased the speed and timing that made her a household name, signaling that the Red Stars’ attack has regained a potent weapon.

Coach and Honorary Captain Awards

Coach of the Week: Jimmy Coenraets (Utah Royals FC)

Under Jimmy Coenraets’s guidance, the Utah Royals have risen to first place in the standings. His tactical adjustments and motivational leadership have transformed the Royals into a cohesive title contender. With the World Cup break looming, Coenraets’s ability to maintain momentum will be crucial.

Honorary Captain: Ann Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)

While Gotham FC had no regular-season matches due to international commitments, goalkeeper Ann Katrin Berger earned honorary captain honors after suffering an abdominal injury on club duty. Her professionalism and leadership make her a respected figure both on and off the pitch, and fans everywhere wish her a speedy recovery.

What’s Next for the NWSL

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup break approaching, teams will look to build on these standout performances before the hiatus. Whether you’re tracking USWNT hopefuls like Croix Bethune and Ashley Sanchez or following rising stars like Temwa Chawinga, this season’s NWSL action is only heating up. Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and our next Team of the Week selections.