As the summer heat begins to settle in, the 2026 NWSL regular season is reaching a boiling point. Individual brilliance continues to define the landscape of the league, making the selection for this week’s top performers more competitive than ever. Our latest Team of the Week highlights the players who dominated their matchups, regardless of their team’s final result, providing a deep dive into the statistics and tactical execution that defined the weekend.
The Wall in Goal: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
While the Kansas City Current faced criticism earlier in the season for defensive lapses, those concerns are quickly fading. Lorena proved to be the difference-maker against a high-powered Portland Thorns attack. Facing six shots on target, including several dangerous attempts from Sophia Wilson, Lorena recorded five crucial saves. Her ability to command the box and maintain composure under pressure allowed the Current to stay competitive in a high-stakes environment.
Defensive Prowess: Lisa Boattin (Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash appear to be regaining their identity, largely thanks to a more disciplined approach in the defensive third. Italian international Lisa Boattin was the standout performer for the Dash this week. Her tactical awareness was on full display as she led her team with four successful tackles. Boattin’s ability to shut down passing lanes and neutralize opposing wingers was instrumental in stabilizing Houston’s backline during critical moments of the match.
The Brazilian Anchor: Rafaelle (Orlando Pride)
Orlando Pride’s defense received a massive boost with the return of Rafaelle to the starting XI. The Brazilian veteran put on a defensive clinic, anchoring the Pride to a clean sheet. Her statistical output was staggering, as she led the roster with eight clearances and seven interceptions. Rafaelle’s reading of the game and physical presence in the air provided the necessary coverage to keep their opponents off the scoreboard.
Record-Breaking Presence: Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign FC)
When a team struggles to find the back of the net, it often takes a veteran leader to break the deadlock. Sofia Huerta did exactly that this week, cementing her legacy in NWSL history. In her 200th league start, Huerta became the first player ever to score in such a milestone appearance. Furthermore, she extended her incredible streak as the only player to score in every single NWSL season since her rookie campaign in 2015, proving that her offensive instincts from the back remain elite.
Consistent Coverage: Uno Shiragaki (North Carolina Courage)
The North Carolina Courage are quietly evolving into one of the league’s most cohesive defensive units, with Uno Shiragaki playing a central role in that transformation. The center back was vital in the team’s build-up play, transitioning the ball effectively from defense to midfield. Shiragaki also showcased her defensive range, leading all starters with four interceptions and consistently breaking up dangerous transitional moments before they could develop into scoring chances.
The Creative Spark: Croix Bethune (Kansas City Current)
Croix Bethune continues to establish herself as one of the most lethal playmakers in the NWSL. Her vision and ability to thread passes through tight windows have made her a focal point of the Kansas City attack. This week, she earned her spot back on the honors list by providing another critical assist. As Bethune continues to manipulate defensive lines with ease, the conversation regarding her potential return to the U.S. Women’s National Team continues to grow louder.
The Engine Room: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals FC)
Mina Tanaka is currently making a strong case for being the most impactful midfielder in the league. She has become the heartbeat of the Utah Royals, dictating the tempo of matches and surfacing in the most important moments. This week, Tanaka demonstrated her nerves of steel by converting a game-winning penalty kick, further proving her value as a player who thrives under the immense pressure of a close contest.
An Inspiring Milestone: Luana (Orlando Pride)
In one of the most heartwarming and impressive stories of the season, Luana earned her first start of 2026. Following her courageous battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year, the Brazilian international looked sharp and impactful in the midfield. She played a direct role in ending Orlando’s recent slide, providing a spectacular long-range assist that set up Nicole Payne for the match-winning goal.
Dual-Threat Dominance: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Temwa Chawinga continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenders, offering a blend of raw power and technical finesse. In her latest outing, she recorded both a goal and an assist, showcasing her clinical finishing and her unselfishness in the final third. What truly separates Chawinga is her work rate; her willingness to track back and contribute defensively makes her one of the most complete forwards currently playing in the NWSL.
Positional Mastery: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
The transition from a central attacking midfielder to a left winger has looked effortless for Ashley Sanchez. She is currently enjoying a career-best season, using her dribbling ability to create havoc on the flanks. By consistently beating defenders one-on-one and delivering dangerous balls into the box, Sanchez is making it nearly impossible for international scouts to overlook her current form as she continues to rack up individual accolades.
The Return of a Star: Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars FC)
After a period of maternity leave, Mallory Swanson is wasted no time reminding the league of her world-class talent. In just her second appearance since returning to the active roster, Swanson found the back of the net for her first goal of 2026. Her movement off the ball and clinical touch suggest she is quickly regaining the form that makes her one of the most dangerous attacking threats in global soccer.
Coaching Excellence: Jimmy Coenraets (Utah Royals FC)
Jimmy Coenraets has the Utah Royals firing on all cylinders as the league prepares for the upcoming World Cup hiatus. Under his guidance, the Royals have climbed to the top of the NWSL table, displaying a level of consistency and tactical flexibility that has eluded them in the past. Heading into the June break in first place is a testament to the culture and system Coenraets has implemented in Utah.
Honorary Captain: Ann Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
While Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit were away on Concacaf W Champions Cup duty, the news regarding Ann Katrin Berger was unfortunately somber. The standout goalkeeper suffered an abdominal injury during regional play. As one of the league’s top keepers, her presence on the pitch is missed, and the league wishes her a quick and full recovery to action.
As the NWSL reaches the end of May, the playoff race and the hunt for the Shield are beginning to take shape. This week’s selections reflect a league defined by historic milestones, such as Sofia Huerta’s 200th start, and inspirational returns like those of Luana and Mallory Swanson. With a month-long break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, these standout performers have ensured their teams head into the hiatus with momentum and high expectations for the second half of the season.
