The National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) is roaring back to life this weekend, shaking off the dust of a mid-season international break that saw its stars shine on global stages. With the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s Afcon, and Copa America Femenina now in the rearview mirror, a fresh wave of talent, some adorned with new international accolades, is rejoining their domestic clubs. This return marks the true commencement of the playoff push, setting the stage for a dramatic second half of the 2025 NWSL regular season.
Kansas City Current: The Undisputed Frontrunners
As all 14 clubs return to the grind, one team stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Kansas City Current. Their impressive record of 11 wins and a commanding six-game winning streak has firmly established them as the pace-setters in the NWSL Shield race. Eight points clear of last year`s champions, the Orlando Pride, the Current appear to be in cruise control, though in professional sports, “cruise control” often serves as an invitation for unexpected turbulence.
The Golden Boot Scramble: Consistency Over Quantity?
The race for the coveted NWSL Golden Boot is tight, a testament to the league`s burgeoning offensive talent. Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez currently leads with 10 goals, a tally bolstered by her top-scorer performance at the Euros. However, hot on her heels are Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current`s Temwa Chawinga, both with eight goals.
While Gonzalez`s bursts of scoring have been impressive, a deeper dive reveals a nuanced narrative. Chawinga`s eight goals, spread over eight matches, suggest a more consistent scoring rhythm compared to Gonzalez`s 10 goals in six games, or Banda`s eight in five. When the margin is this thin, consistency often proves to be the ultimate determinant. The subtle art of prediction, it seems, sometimes leans on trend analysis rather than raw numbers.
NWSL MVP: A Wide-Open Field
Historically, the Golden Boot winner often finds themselves also hoisting the MVP trophy. However, the 2025 NWSL MVP race is proving to be a compelling deviation from this norm, with attackers and other standout performers vying for recognition. Kansas City Current`s Brazilian international, Debinha, was an early favorite, but an unfortunate MCL and ankle injury after just nine games has opened the door for a host of contenders.
- Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC): A vital cog in Angel City`s campaign, demonstrating her indispensable value.
- Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC): The linchpin of the Thorns` midfield, quietly orchestrating their success.
- Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC): The French international has elevated her game significantly in her second year, showcasing remarkable adaptation and impact.
Despite her injury, the narrative for Debinha isn`t entirely closed; a strong return could still launch her back into contention. Yet, the consistent, impactful presence of players like Temwa Chawinga, even without a Golden Boot guarantee, continues to resonate strongly.
Defensive Fortitude: Shifting Tides
The Defensive Player of the Year award is fiercely contested, with several elite defenders making compelling cases. Early favorites included Orlando Pride`s Emily Sams, Gotham FC`s Emily Sonnett, and Washington Spirit`s Tara McKeown. Each has profoundly influenced their respective teams` backlines.
However, the narrative has shifted, particularly for the Kansas City Current, who`ve dramatically improved their defensive prowess this season. Kayla Sharples has emerged as a formidable force, stepping up significantly after Alana Cook`s season-ending injury. Her performances have been so impactful that whispers of a long-shot MVP candidacy have even begun – a rare feat, given no defender has ever claimed that award in NWSL history. Perhaps it`s time for a new precedent.
Midfield Maestros and Goalkeeping Guardians
The Midfielder of the Year category boasts a diverse pool of talent, showcasing the league`s depth beyond traditional attacking roles. While initial picks ranged from Washington Spirit`s Hal Hershfelt to North Carolina Courage`s Jaedyn Shaw, a new contender has captivated observers:
“My goodness, the consistency. Her Chef`s kiss of a free kick going into the back of the net, I could just watch on repeat,” lauded former NWSL striker Jess McDonald of San Diego`s Kenza Dali. “I can watch the way that she plays and how intelligent she is on and off the ball… she`s just one of a kind this season.”
Dali`s unparalleled consistency, tactical intelligence, and ability to deliver moments of magic position her as a leading candidate.
Meanwhile, the Goalkeeper of the Year award remains as unpredictable as a penalty shootout. Injuries and squad rotations have seen some early favorites, like Houston Dash`s Jane Campbell and Alyssa Naeher, face setbacks. Despite challenges, several keepers are making strong cases:
- Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave): A previous winner, whose leadership and performance are crucial to the Wave`s resurgence.
- Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit): Leads the league in total saves, a true shot-stopper.
- Lorena (Kansas City Current): Tops the charts in clean sheets, reflecting the Current`s overall defensive solidity.
- Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride): Boasts the league`s best save percentage among regular starters.
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign): A remarkably consistent presence, ranking second in goals prevented – a quiet, yet profound impact.
This category, more than any other, may very well come down to the wire, decided by the narrowest of margins.
The Orchestrators: Coach of the Year Race
The coaching landscape has seen its own dramatic shifts. Jonatan Giraldez, formerly of the Washington Spirit and an early favorite, has since departed for OL Lyon, leaving a void at the top of the managerial predictions. Stepping into that vacuum, Vlatko Andonovski, head coach of the Kansas City Current, has emerged as the frontrunner.
His ability to galvanize his team, tighten their defense, and navigate adversity while maintaining a dominant position at the top of the table has been nothing short of exceptional. While Jonas Eidevall (San Diego Wave FC) and Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC) are noted dark horses, Andonovski`s comprehensive performance with the Current speaks volumes. It`s one thing to reach the summit; it`s another to stay there while everyone else is relentlessly chasing.
The Ultimate Prize: NWSL Shield & Championship
Despite all the individual brilliance and tactical masterclasses, the ultimate question remains: Who will claim the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship? The consensus remains steadfast: the Kansas City Current are the overwhelming favorites for the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the most points at season`s end. Their eight-point lead over the Orlando Pride is a commanding, albeit not insurmountable, advantage.
For the NWSL Championship, a single-elimination tournament where anything truly can happen, the Washington Spirit, 2025 Challenge Cup winners, are still seen as a formidable rival to Kansas City. While the Current`s regular-season dominance is undeniable, the postseason often favors resilience, tactical adaptability, and perhaps a touch of calculated chaos. With 13 matchweeks remaining, the narrative is far from complete, but for now, all eyes are on Kansas City as the team to beat.
