The 2025 NWSL regular season is set to resume this weekend after a mid-season hiatus, during which international tournaments like the UEFA Women’s Euro, AFCON, and COPA AMERICA FEMENINA took center stage. Several league players participated in these global competitions, gaining recognition and returning to NWSL play with added acclaim.
During the break, Esther Gonzalez from Gotham FC became the leading scorer in the Euro, netting four goals for Spain, which finished as the runner-up. Other standout players included Esme Morgan from Washington Spirit and Anna Moorehouse from Orlando Pride, while Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie were champions at AFCON for Nigeria. Both NWSL players and teams are now eager to resume regular season action.
All 14 teams are back in action this weekend, with Friday marking the beginning of the NWSL’s playoff push. The Kansas City Current leads the race for the NWSL Shield, boasting a league-best 11 wins and a six-game winning streak, while last year’s champion, Orlando Pride, trails by eight points.
Fans can follow the NWSL’s regular season games through CBS platforms, including CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. As the second half of the season kicks off, teams will look to improve and contend for top honors.
NWSL Golden Boot Race
Gonzalez is currently leading the Golden Boot race with 10 goals, though she faces competition from Orlando’s Bar Brabanda and Kansas City’s collision, both tied at eight goals. The outcomes of this race remain uncertain, as scoring trends fluctuate and players continue to compete fervently.
NWSL MVP Contenders
The MVP award often goes to the Golden Boot winner, yet this year features fierce competition among various standout players. Kansas City’s Vlatko Andonovski is a frontrunner, but injuries have allowed others like Alyssa Thompson of Angel City and Portland Thorns FC’s Sam Coffey to make their cases.
NWSL Defender of the Year
Several top contenders exist for Defender of the Year, including Emily Sams from Orlando Pride and Gotham FC’s Emily Sonnet. Kansas City’s Kayla Sharples is also a strong candidate following her key defensive contributions.
NWSL Midfielder of the Year
There’s a wide array of candidates for Midfielder of the Year, with analysts highlighting both Hal Hershfelt from Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave’s Dali as top performers.
NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year
This category has diverse potential candidates, with numerous players suggested by experts, making it difficult to identify a clear front-runner. San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan and Washington’s Aubrey Kingsbury are among the leading choices for this prestigious title.
NWSL Coach of the Year
Vlatko Andonovski of Kansas City has emerged as a strong contender for Coach of the Year, but Jonas Eidevall from San Diego Wave and Bev Yanez from Racing Louisville are also in the mix. The narrative surrounding coaching changes continues to evolve as the season progresses.
Title Contenders
Kansas City, chosen by many experts as the team to beat, is currently in a strong position to secure both the NWSL Shield and the Championship. Following closely behind is the Washington Spirit, expected to be a major contender as the season concludes.
The NWSL resumes play this Friday with a match between Seattle’s Reign FC and Angel City FC at Lumenfield in Seattle.
Fan Take: The return of regular season play is crucial for soccer fans, as it not only impacts local club loyalties but also influences international players’ careers. This second half promises to heighten the competition and showcase the league’s talent, reinforcing the growth of women’s soccer on a global scale.
