As the 2025 NWSL regular season careens towards its dramatic conclusion, Week 21 delivered a potent cocktail of record-breaking performances, playoff-clinching moments, and last-ditch efforts from teams desperate to extend their campaigns. With only five weeks remaining, the stakes are astronomically high, and players across the league are leaving everything on the pitch. This past week saw a remarkable array of individual brilliance and collective fortitude, setting the stage for an unforgettable finish.
Kansas City Current: The Shield Bearers and Their Unyielding Charge
The headline act of Week 21 unequivocally belongs to the Kansas City Current. In a season of consistent excellence, they officially clinched the 2025 NWSL Shield, cementing their status as the league`s top regular-season team. This achievement is a testament to their balanced squad and the tactical acumen of Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski, who, it seems, has developed a rather pleasant habit of collecting silverware. A trophy per season isn`t just good on paper; it`s a statement of intent that resonates across the league.
Lorena`s Legacy: A Goalkeeping Masterclass
Central to Kansas City`s triumph is Brazilian international goalkeeper, Lorena. In her inaugural NWSL season, she hasn`t just been good; she`s been historically good. Week 21 saw her shatter the NWSL record for consecutive shutout minutes, extending it to a staggering 632. With her 12th clean sheet of the year, she`s now tantalizingly close to the all-time single-season record. It`s the kind of debut performance that makes opposing forwards question their career choices.
Temwa Chawinga: The Relentless Pursuit of Gold
Upfront, Temwa Chawinga continues her relentless assault on the Golden Boot. Her 13th goal of the season, a powerful header scored on her birthday (a delightful repeat of last season`s celebrations), ties her with Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez. With two crucial assists also under her belt, Chawinga epitomizes the Current`s attacking prowess – a combination of individual flair and clinical efficiency.
The Architects of Defense: From Blocks to Blasters
While goals grab the headlines, the unsung heroes of the backline often determine a team`s fate. Week 21 showcased some truly monumental defensive efforts, alongside some rather surprising offensive contributions from those typically tasked with preventing them.
- Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals): Earning her first Team of the Week honors, Thomsen demonstrated that defenders too can wield a mighty boot. Her long-range rocket from distance was a potent reminder that Utah`s tough backline isn`t afraid to join the attack.
- Maycee Bell (North Carolina Courage): As the Courage quietly push for a playoff spot, second-year defender Bell came up huge with a goal-line clearance – a moment of pure defensive instinct that saved her team.
- Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns): Fresh off signing a new contract, Reyes proved her worth on both sides of the ball, delivering the late-game heroics for a Thorns equalizer from a set piece. Her versatility is a coach`s dream.
- Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC): Once a forward, now a steadfast defender, Sonis has navigated this tricky transition with impressive grace. Her goalscoring past clearly informs her confidence in going forward, creating chances from the backline. It`s a journey that speaks volumes about adaptability and commitment.
Midfield Maestros and Emerging Stars
The engine room of any successful team, the midfield in Week 21 saw both seasoned orchestrators and rising talents dictating play and delivering crucial contributions.
- Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage): In the absence of key players, Matsukubo has stepped up dramatically for the Courage, becoming a prominent figure in their highlights reel. Her playmaking and tireless work rate were instrumental in springing attacks.
- Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals): A double honoree this week, Tanaka`s influence on Utah`s victory was undeniable. Not only did she deliver the final pass for Thomsen`s goal, but her exquisite first touch, dizzying technique, and clinical accuracy also culminated in a masterful goal of her own. She`s the kind of player who makes the beautiful game look effortlessly simple.
- Evelyn Shores (Angel City): Joining Angel City mid-season, Shores opened her NWSL scoring account with her first career goal. It`s a poignant moment for any player, especially one who chose professional football over collegiate play. To score a debut goal and help secure a tie against Washington? That`s the stuff of instant legend.
The Cutting Edge: Forwards Who Deliver
When the game is on the line, it`s often the forwards who seize the moment, and Week 21 had no shortage of clinical finishes and game-winning plays.
- Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash): The Dash are fighting tooth and nail in the playoff hunt, and Ryan`s game-winner, born from a “gnarly interception” and a clinical finish, exemplifies the kind of determination required to make a late-season push.
- Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals): As mentioned, Tanaka`s week 21 goal was a showcase of pure craftsmanship – a first touch that defied gravity, technique that mesmerized, and accuracy that left no doubt.
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): Beyond her birthday goal, Chawinga`s consistent threat keeps defenses on edge and highlights why Kansas City`s attack is so formidable.
The Unseen Force: Kansas City Current Supporters
While players and coaches rightfully receive accolades, the backbone of any successful club is its fanbase. The Kansas City Current Supporters (KC Blue Crew) earned honorary captain status, a well-deserved recognition for their unwavering dedication. Through periods of uncertainty and neglect from previous ownership, the passion for women`s soccer in Kansas City never waned. The NWSL Shield isn`t just for the team; it`s a trophy for the faithful who stood by them, proving that true support is the most powerful force in sports.
Looking Ahead: The Final Sprint
Week 21 has been a microcosm of the NWSL`s vibrant and competitive spirit. From record-setting goalkeepers to resilient defenders and clinical finishers, the league continues to deliver high-stakes drama. As the playoffs loom, every pass, every tackle, and every goal will shape destinies. The Kansas City Current have planted their flag, but the race for the Championship is still wide open, promising an electrifying conclusion to the 2025 season. Fans can tune in across various CBS platforms to witness the unfolding spectacle – because if Week 21 taught us anything, it`s that in the NWSL, anything is possible until the final whistle.
Gareth Pendleton 
Finlay Hurst