As the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) roars back into action following a compelling international interlude, the 2025 season stands poised for an electrifying second act. Players, fresh from the intensity of the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s Afcon, and Copa America Femenina, rejoin their club ranks, bringing with them not just renewed energy but also, in some cases, fresh silverware. This mid-season pivot marks the true beginning of the playoff push, with contenders separating themselves from the chasing pack and individual accolades becoming ever more prominent on the horizon.
Kansas City Current: Setting the Pace
If the first half of the NWSL season offered any definitive statement, it was the undeniable dominance of the Kansas City Current. With a league-best 11 wins and an impressive six-game winning streak, they’ve established a formidable eight-point cushion atop the NWSL Shield race. Their ascent from defensive struggles last season to a current juggernaut is a testament to shrewd strategic shifts and unwavering team cohesion. Under the astute guidance of Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski, whose influence is increasingly visible, the Current appear to be in cruise control, though in a league known for its inherent unpredictability, no lead is truly insurmountable until the final whistle.
The Golden Pursuit: A Striker`s Showcase
The race for the coveted Golden Boot is proving to be a masterclass in attacking prowess. Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez leads the pack with 10 goals, a tally no doubt bolstered by her top-scorer performance in the Euros. However, hot on her heels are Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current`s Temwa Chawinga, both with eight goals apiece. What makes this contest particularly intriguing is the varying efficiency: Gonzalez’s goals spread across six games, Banda’s concentrated over five, and Chawinga’s amassed across eight. This statistical nuance suggests that while current numbers are compelling, sheer consistency over the remaining fixtures might ultimately crown the winner. Our internal tracking, for what it`s worth, still pegs Chawinga as the most consistent threat.
MVP Contention: A Shifting Narrative
The NWSL Most Valuable Player award often correlates with the Golden Boot, yet this season presents a uniquely open field. Kansas City`s Brazilian international, Debinha, was an early frontrunner until an MCL and ankle injury paused her campaign. This unfortunate turn of events has, perhaps ironically, opened the door for other exceptional talents to stake their claim. Players like Angel City`s pivotal forward Alyssa Thompson, Portland Thorns FC`s indispensable midfielder Sam Coffey, and San Diego Wave FC`s thriving attacker Delphine Cascarino have all demonstrated MVP-caliber performances. The second half of the season, particularly as teams vie for playoff berths, will be crucial in defining who truly stands out as the league`s most impactful player. Despite the newfound breadth of candidates, the sheer consistency and importance of Chawinga to the league-leading Current keep her firmly in the MVP conversation.
Defensive Grit and Midfield Mastery
While attackers often garner headlines, the foundational strength of any successful team lies in its defense and midfield. The Defender of the Year race features familiar names like Orlando Pride`s Emily Sams, Gotham FC`s Emily Sonnett, and Washington Spirit`s Tara McKeown, all delivering impactful performances. However, a compelling dark horse has emerged in Kansas City Current`s Kayla Sharples, whose elevated play has been instrumental in solidifying her team`s formidable backline, particularly after a season-ending injury to Alana Cook. Sharples’s influence is so profound that whispers of a long-shot MVP candidacy are not entirely unfounded—a rare feat for a defender in this league.
In the heart of the park, the Midfielder of the Year award is also hotly contested. While early predictions leaned towards players like Washington Spirit’s Hal Hershfelt, it’s San Diego’s Kenza Dali who has captured widespread admiration. Attacking Third analyst and former NWSL striker Jess McDonald lauded Dali`s “consistency” and “soccer knowledge,” describing her as “one of a kind this season.” Her uncanny ability to dictate play and deliver crucial moments has made her a standout performer, a true orchestrator.
The Goalkeeping Guardians
The Goalkeeper of the Year category remains perhaps the most unpredictable, a testament to the league’s depth between the posts. With some early favorites facing injuries or rotational changes, the field is wide open. Veteran shot-stoppers like San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan and Washington Spirit’s Aubrey Kingsbury (who leads the league in total saves) are strong contenders. Seattle Reign’s Claudia Dickey has quietly delivered consistent, high-level performances, ranking second in goals prevented. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s Lorena boasts a league-leading six clean sheets, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorehouse leads in save percentage among keepers with substantial minutes. This race promises to be decided by the narrowest of margins, making every save and clean sheet critically important.
Coaching Ingenuity: Orchestrating Success
The impact of a head coach cannot be overstated, and the Coach of the Year award reflects this profound influence. While initial favorite Jonatan Giraldez departed the league, a new frontrunner has emerged: Kansas City Current’s Vlatko Andonovski. His ability to transform the Current into a league-leading force, tighten their defense, and navigate adversity has earned him widespread praise. As Lisa Carlin from Attacking Third noted:
“Andonovski has done such a good job of getting his team on the same page… it`s hard to go back-to-back years where you`re at the top of the table and you are the team everyone is chasing and Andonovski has done that with Kansas City.”
Dark horse candidates like San Diego Wave FC’s Jonas Eidevall and Racing Louisville FC’s Bev Yanez also warrant attention for their respective teams’ notable progress and tactical acumen.
The Road to Championship Glory
Looking ahead to the ultimate prizes – the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship – the narrative remains largely consistent with pre-season predictions. The Kansas City Current are overwhelmingly favored to clinch the NWSL Shield, given their commanding lead. However, the NWSL Championship, a single-elimination tournament where anything can happen, is a different beast entirely. While the Current are certainly strong contenders, the Washington Spirit, 2025 Challenge Cup winners, are consistently mentioned as a potent rival capable of making a deep postseason run and potentially upsetting the apple cart. With 13 matchweeks still to play, the landscape can shift dramatically, but for now, Kansas City remains the team to beat, and the Spirit, the most credible threat to their ultimate ambition.
Anticipation Builds: The Second Half Awaits
The NWSL’s return promises a compelling blend of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and high-stakes drama. With the mid-season check-in complete, all eyes now turn to the remaining fixtures, where every pass, tackle, and goal will contribute to shaping the final standings and determining who will hoist the prestigious trophies. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 NWSL season.
Dominic Ashworth