The National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially roared back to life, emerging from a brief mid-season hiatus that allowed its formidable athletes to represent their nations on the global stage. With international tournaments like the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s Afcon, and Copa America Femenina now concluded, the league`s brightest stars are returning, some with fresh accolades, ready to inject renewed vigor into the domestic club grind. As all 14 teams resume their regular season rhythm, the quest for the NWSL Shield and Championship intensifies, promising a captivating second half of the season.
Kansas City Current: The Undisputed Pace-Setters
At the season`s midpoint, one team stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Kansas City Current. Their dominance has been undeniable, boasting a league-best 11 wins and an impressive six-game winning streak. They hold a significant eight-point lead over their closest pursuers, the Orlando Pride, making them the clear frontrunner in the NWSL Shield race. Catching them will require a monumental effort from the chasing pack, as the Current appear to be in cruise control, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround from last season`s defensive struggles. Their cohesive play and relentless attack have established them as the benchmark for success in 2025.
The Individual Accolade Scramble: More Than Just Numbers
While team success often grabs headlines, the individual award races provide a compelling narrative of personal excellence and grit. With half the season behind us, the landscape for the Golden Boot, MVP, and various Player of the Year honors is both clearer and, perhaps ironically, even more contested. Early predictions, bless their hearts, have been both validated and, shall we say, “adjusted” by the unfolding reality on the pitch.
The Golden Boot: A Trio in Hot Pursuit
The race for the Golden Boot is currently spearheaded by Gotham FC`s Spanish sensation, Esther Gonzalez, who boasts 10 goals. Fresh off a top-scorer performance at the Euros, her momentum is palpable. However, hot on her heels are Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current`s Temwa Chawinga, both tied at eight goals. The tactical mind might favor consistency over sheer volume at this juncture. Gonzalez`s goals were scored across six games, while Banda netted hers in just five, but Chawinga’s eight goals span eight matches – a testament to a more sustained threat. Given the long haul, Chawinga`s methodical scoring seems a wise bet for the final sprint.
NWSL MVP: Beyond the Strikers` Duel
Historically, the Golden Boot winner often finds themselves crowned MVP. While attackers like Banda and Chawinga remain strong contenders, this season`s MVP race is a genuine toss-up, broadened by stellar performances across positions. The early frontrunner, Kansas City Current`s Brazilian international Debinha, saw her momentum unfortunately halted by an MCL and ankle injury after nine games. This opened the door for others to make their case.
Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson has been indispensable to her club, while Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey is the engine of her squad. San Diego Wave FC`s Delphine Cascarino has also hit another gear, seamlessly integrating into her second year with the club. Despite the emergence of these formidable talents and Debinha`s potential return, the consistency and impact of Temwa Chawinga continue to make her a compelling, if somewhat obvious, choice for MVP.
Defender of the Year: The Unsung Heroes Shine
The defensive battle for recognition is fierce. While Orlando Pride`s Emily Sams, Gotham FC`s Emily Sonnett, and Washington Spirit`s Tara McKeown were initial favorites, a new narrative is emerging from the league leaders. Kansas City Current`s defensive improvements have been significant, and a major reason is Kayla Sharples. Her elevated play, especially after Alana Cook`s season-ending injury, has been pivotal. So impactful, in fact, that whispers of a long-shot MVP bid for Sharples have begun to circulate – a truly rare feat for a defender in this league.
Midfielder of the Year: The Experts` Curveball
This category proved to be a delightful enigma for pre-season predictors. Washington Spirit`s Hal Hershfelt and North Carolina Courage`s Jaedyn Shaw were popular picks, but the mid-season reality has shifted the spotlight. Attacking Third analyst and former NWSL striker Jess McDonald passionately argues for San Diego`s Kenza Dali as the leading candidate. McDonald lauded Dali`s “consistency” and “Chef`s kiss of a free kick,” adding, “I can watch the way that she plays and how intelligent she is on and off the ball. I love her experience that she brings to the game and her full-on understanding of it… she`s just one of a kind this season.” When a former player speaks with such conviction, one pays attention.
Goalkeeper of the Year: A Wide-Open Net
If there`s one award that embodies the unpredictable nature of professional sports, it`s Goalkeeper of the Year. Initial expert selections were scattered, reflecting the sheer depth of talent. Injuries have reshuffled the deck, with Houston Dash`s Jane Campbell now splitting time and Alyssa Naeher sidelined. San Diego`s veteran Kailen Sheridan, a past winner, remains a strong contender. Washington Spirit`s Aubrey Kingsbury leads the league in total saves, showcasing her consistent reliability. However, Claudia Dickey of Seattle Reign has been a remarkably consistent presence, ranking second in goals prevented. Meanwhile, Kansas City`s Lorena boasts the most clean sheets, and Orlando Pride`s Anna Moorehouse leads in save percentage. This race could very well come down to the slimmest of margins.
Coach of the Year: Andonovski`s Masterclass
The coaching award also started with a twist, as initial favorite Jonatan Giraldez departed Washington Spirit for Lyon. This paved the way for a new leading candidate: Vlatko Andonovski of the Kansas City Current. His ability to transform the Current into a dominant force, tightening their defense, and navigating adversity, has earned widespread praise. As Lisa Carlin noted on Attacking Third, “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.” While others like San Diego Wave FC`s Jonas Eidevall are also performing admirably, Andonovski`s steady hand at the helm of the league leaders makes his case compelling.
The Grand Finale: Shield and Championship Aspirations
As for the ultimate prizes – the NWSL Shield (awarded for the most regular season points) and the NWSL Championship (the playoff crown) – the Kansas City Current remain the overwhelming favorites for the Shield. Their eight-point lead with 13 matchweeks remaining positions them perfectly for regular season glory. The Washington Spirit, the 2025 Challenge Cup winners, are also mentioned as a top rival for the Championship, and while anything can happen in the postseason knockout rounds, Kansas City`s current trajectory seems unstoppable for the Shield.
What`s Next: The Sprint Begins
The NWSL wasted no time getting back into action, with Seattle Reign FC facing Angel City FC on Friday, marking the official resumption of what promises to be an exhilarating second half of the season. With individual accolades hotly contested and a clear frontrunner for the Shield, the NWSL is poised for a thrilling run towards the playoffs, where dreams will be realized and new legends forged.
Gareth Pendleton