
The hum of international football has faded, and with it, the global accolades earned by many of the National Women`s Soccer League`s brightest stars. Now, the spotlight swings back to the domestic arena as the NWSL roars back to life, resuming its 2025 regular season after a strategic mid-season break. Players return not just with fresh legs but, in many cases, with new medals and a renewed drive to compete for the ultimate NWSL honors.
This hiatus, designed to accommodate major international tournaments like the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s Afcon, and Copa America Femenina, served as a fascinating intermission. It allowed players like Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez to claim the top scorer title in the Euros, while Nigerian internationals Asisat Oshoala of Bay FC and Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash returned triumphant Afcon champions. These experiences undoubtedly inject a fresh surge of confidence and, perhaps, a touch of global swagger into the domestic grind.
The Race for Glory: NWSL Shield & Championship
As all fourteen clubs settle back into their routine, one team stands out clear as day: the Kansas City Current. They are not merely leading the NWSL Shield race; they are, to put it mildly, setting the pace. With a league-best 11 wins and an impressive six-game winning streak under their belt, catching them looks less like a challenge and more like a Herculean task for the competition. Last year`s champions, Orlando Pride, are in striking distance, eight points behind, while the Washington Spirit, winners of the 2025 Challenge Cup, find themselves further back, tasked with bridging a ten-point gap.
Thirteen matchweeks remain, offering ample opportunity for shifts, surges, and perhaps a dramatic upset. Yet, for now, Kansas City appears to be cruising toward the NWSL Shield, the league`s top regular-season prize. The ultimate NWSL Championship, however, remains a more open question, with the unpredictable nature of the postseason always lurking.
The Individual Accolades: Midseason Report Cards
While team glory is paramount, the individual awards always add another layer of intrigue. As the season progresses, the chatter around who will claim the Golden Boot, MVP, and defensive honors intensifies. Let`s revisit some of the early contenders and see who`s now making the loudest noise at the halfway mark.
Golden Boot: The Striker`s Crown
The quest for the NWSL Golden Boot is less a sprint and more a tightly packed peloton. Esther Gonzalez of Gotham FC currently leads with 10 goals. However, right on her heels, tied for second with eight goals each, are Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current`s Temwa Chawinga. This race isn`t just about raw numbers; it`s about efficiency and consistency. Gonzalez`s goals were scored across six games, Banda`s eight in five, and Chawinga`s eight in eight. It`s a testament to Chawinga`s persistent threat that she remains a strong pick, exhibiting the kind of steady scoring that often prevails over the long haul.
MVP: The League`s Brightest Star
Beyond mere goal tallies lies the MVP race, a true indicator of a player`s all-around impact. Early frontrunner Debinha of Kansas City Current saw her clear path complicated by an MCL and ankle injury after nine games, opening the door for others. Angel City`s Alyssa Thompson has been foundational to her club`s campaign, while Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey consistently proves her importance. San Diego Wave FC attacker Delphine Cascarino, in her second year, has truly found another gear. Despite Debinha`s time off, the momentum of Kansas City, combined with Chawinga`s consistent scoring threat, makes her a compelling MVP candidate. One might even suggest a certain analyst is quite confident in this pick and doesn`t want to jinx it.
Defender of the Year: The Unsung Heroes
While strikers grab headlines, the foundations are laid by the unsung heroes in defense. Initially, the likes of Orlando Pride`s Emily Sams, Gotham FC`s Emily Sonnett, and Washington Spirit`s Tara McKeown were strong contenders. Each has delivered impactful performances. However, the remarkable turnaround in Kansas City Current`s defensive solidity has brought Kayla Sharples into the conversation. Her elevated play, especially after a season-ending injury to Alana Cook, has been nothing short of immense. One might even whisper `MVP` for Sharples, though the league has yet to crown a defender for its top individual honor – a curious historical quirk, wouldn`t you agree?
Midfielder of the Year: The Engine Room
The orchestrators, the engines, the artists of the midfield. This category saw a wide array of initial picks, but San Diego`s Kenza Dali has surged to the forefront. Her performances have been consistently brilliant. As analyst Jess McDonald eloquently put it, “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. 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.” Such praise highlights the profound impact Dali has had on San Diego`s season.
Goalkeeper of the Year: The Last Line of Defense
This was, and remains, a category of delightful unpredictability. Initial selections were scattered, and injuries (like Alyssa Naeher`s) and shared duties (like Jane Campbell`s at Houston Dash) have further muddled the waters. Yet, standout performances abound. San Diego`s Kailen Sheridan, a past award winner, is once again in contention, while Washington Spirit`s Aubrey Kingsbury leads the league in total saves. Seattle Reign`s Claudia Dickey has been a pillar of consistency, ranking high in goals prevented. Kansas City`s Lorena leads in clean sheets, and Orlando Pride`s Anna Moorehouse boasts a league-leading save percentage. This race, much like a penalty shootout, could truly come down to the wire.
Coach of the Year: The Tactician`s Triumph
Behind every successful team, there`s a guiding hand. The early frontrunner for Coach of the Year, former Washington Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez, has since moved on to Olympique Lyon, leaving a vacancy at the top. Stepping decisively into that void is Kansas City Current head coach Vlatko Andonovski. His ability to mold his team into a dominant force, particularly after their defensive struggles last season, has been exceptional. Analyst Lisa Carlin notes, “Andonovski has done such a good job of getting his team on the same page, tightening up defensively, and going through adversity.” While Jonas Eidevall of San Diego Wave FC and Bev Yanez of Racing Louisville FC are dark horses, Andonovski`s clear success makes him a compelling choice.
What`s Next
The stage is set for a thrilling second half of the NWSL season. With the Kansas City Current firmly in the lead for the Shield, and individual award races heating up with shifting dynamics, every match will carry increased weight. The blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, fresh off international duty, promises an exciting playoff push. The NWSL returns with renewed vigor, ready to deliver more memorable moments on the pitch.