As the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) enters the second half of its 2025 regular season, the volume, it seems, has been turned up to eleven. With merely ten weeks remaining, the competitive margins between teams, irrespective of their current standings, are shrinking to razor-thin tolerances. This heightened intensity has injected a thrilling dose of chaos into Week 16, showcasing high-scoring draws and, most notably, game-changing heroics from the unlikeliest of sources: the goalkeepers.
The Unexpected Scorer: Alyssa Naeher`s Double Delight
Among the week`s stellar performances, one individual managed to etch her name into NWSL folklore, not once, but twice. Alyssa Naeher, the veteran goalkeeper for Chicago Stars FC, not only commanded her six-yard box with customary authority but also ventured far from it to score a late-game equalizer. Yes, you read that correctly: a goalkeeper scored. In a league renowned for its offensive firepower, Naeher`s improbable goal against Seattle Reign FC was the ultimate plot twist, solidifying her place on the Team of the Week for her goalkeeping prowess and, in a unique honor, as a forward. It seems the “sweeper keeper” role has taken a rather literal turn. Perhaps a career change is in order, or perhaps it merely underscores the sheer unpredictability that defines the NWSL.
The Architects of Defense: Unyielding Backlines
While goals grab headlines, strong defenses win championships. Week 16 saw several defenders rise to the occasion, proving that the best offense sometimes truly is a impenetrable defense.
- Natalie Jacobs (Houston Dash): After a challenging first half of the season, Houston`s resurgence is palpable. Jacobs has been instrumental in this turnaround, leading her backline with an impressive three tackles and ten duels, a testament to her tenacity and renewed form.
- Ellie Jean (Racing Louisville FC): Racing Louisville continues its impressive campaign, remaining in the upper half of the table. Jean`s consistent “dynamite” performances have been a significant catalyst for their collective strength and resilience, particularly in securing crucial ties on the road.
- Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): In the face of challenging heat, Sharples anchored Kansas City`s defense against rival Orlando Pride. Her role has been pivotal in their league-leading nine clean sheets, turning Kansas City`s backline into an almost impenetrable fortress.
- Emily Sams (Orlando Pride): Known for her aggressive pursuit of attacks, Sams delivered another masterclass in defensive disruption. Her timely decisions to press forward and her ability to limit dangerous attackers, even after key offensive players were sidelined, underscored her immense value to Orlando`s tightly contested matches.
Midfield Maestros: Youthful Brilliance and Veteran Craft
The engine room of any successful team, the midfielders in Week 16 showcased a blend of seasoned experience and burgeoning talent.
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns): At just 19 years old, Moultrie continues to shatter expectations. Her Week 16 goal not only contributed significantly to the Thorns but also saw her equal the NWSL record for most goals scored by a teenager. A true prodigy, her journey from youth academy to first-team legend is a testament to the league`s developing talent pipeline.
- Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC): The French international orchestrated a midfield clinic, capping her efforts with a long-distance, game-winning finish. Dali`s ability to create her own opportunities, drive forward, and ultimately convert, highlights her consistent impact and the often-unseen “dirty work” she undertakes for her team.
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current): Despite a three-hour heat delay, 19-year-old Hutton displayed remarkable composure and influence in the midfield against top-tier opponents. Her defensive solidity, crisp passing, and ability to shine against world-class players like Marta underscore her potential as a future NWSL standout.
Attacking Prowess: Dazzling Goals and Immediate Impact
When it came to finding the back of the net, Week 16 delivered some truly memorable moments.
- Jordan Huitema (Seattle Reign FC): Huitema stole the show with a sensational bicycle kick, showcasing an athleticism that belies her aerial dominance. This audacious finish was a clear highlight, proving she`s not just about headers but also about sheer audacious skill.
- Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit): The NWSL`s first Italian player, Cantore wasted no time making her mark. Her thunderous goal from distance was an emphatic introduction to league audiences, demonstrating why she`s a force to be reckoned with.
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC): Yes, she`s back! Beyond her goalkeeping heroics, Naeher`s inclusion as a forward underscores the sheer novelty and impact of her set-piece equalizer. Her calm conversion under immense pressure was a moment of pure drama, reminding everyone that in the NWSL, anything is possible.
Leadership from the Sidelines and the Stands
No team`s success is solely defined by its players on the pitch. Week 16 also highlighted crucial contributions from those guiding the ship and those cheering it on.
- Coach Ella Masar (Chicago Stars FC): The interim head coach has instilled a reinvigorated “nothing left to lose” mentality in Chicago Stars FC, leading them to an impressive three-game unbeaten streak of wild draws. Her contagious self-belief has transformed the 13th-place side into a frustratingly gritty opponent for any team vying for playoff contention.
- Kansas City Current fans (Honorary Captain): Despite a gruelling three-hour heat delay, the faithful supporters of Kansas City Current demonstrated why they are among the league`s best. Their unwavering dedication, sticking it out for their players and each other, adds a special dimension to Kansas City`s already remarkable season.
Week 16 was a microcosm of everything that makes the NWSL compelling: unexpected heroics, burgeoning talent, steadfast defense, and passionate support. As the 2025 season hurtles towards its thrilling conclusion, these standout performances remind us that in the National Women`s Soccer League, the only constant is the unpredictable pursuit of excellence.
Dominic Ashworth