NWSL 2025: Beyond the Break – Unpacking the Second Half’s High Stakes and Award Races

The 2025 National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) season is back, and as the dust settles from a bustling summer of international tournaments, the domestic club grind resumes with renewed intensity. The brief hiatus, necessitated by marquee events like the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s Afcon, and Copa America Femenina, saw many NWSL stars return with fresh accolades – and perhaps a slightly heavier carry-on of global experience. Now, all 14 clubs are recalibrating for a playoff push, and the competition promises to be as exhilarating as ever.

The Shield Race: Kansas City Current`s Unyielding Grip

At the mid-season mark, one team has unequivocally established itself as the one to beat: the Kansas City Current. With an impressive 11 wins and a six-game winning streak, they lead the NWSL Shield race with a comfortable, yet not insurmountable, eight-point lead over their closest pursuers, the Orlando Pride. Last year`s winners, Orlando, are certainly within striking distance, suggesting that while Kansas City might be cruising, the championship cruise control could still hit some unexpected turbulence. The Current`s defensive transformation, after previous struggles, has been particularly noteworthy, underpinning their ascent to the summit.

The Golden Boot Gauntlet: A Striker`s Battle for Supremacy

The race for the NWSL Golden Boot is, predictably, a headline act. Esther Gonzalez of Gotham FC currently leads with 10 goals, a tally bolstered by her top-scorer performance in the Euros. However, hot on her heels are Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current`s Temwa Chawinga, both tied with eight goals. While raw numbers are compelling, the true measure often lies in consistency. Gonzalez`s 10 goals came in six games, Banda`s eight in five, and Chawinga`s eight across eight matches. This suggests Chawinga`s more distributed scoring, perhaps indicating a steadier presence over the long haul.

The MVP Enigma: Beyond Goals, True Impact Shines

The NWSL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award often aligns with the Golden Boot, yet this season, the narrative is more intricate. Kansas City`s Brazilian international, Debinha, was an early MVP favorite, but an unfortunate MCL and ankle injury after just nine games blew the race wide open. This opened the door for other standout performers to make their case. Alyssa Thompson of Angel City has been instrumental in keeping her club competitive, while Portland Thorns FC`s Sam Coffey remains the linchpin for her squad. San Diego Wave FC`s Delphine Cascarino, in her second year, has truly found another gear, showcasing her influence as a France international.

With Debinha`s potential return, or the continued brilliance of her teammates, the second half of the season will be crucial in shaping this coveted award. The consensus seems to favor a player with consistent influence and a significant contribution to their team`s success.

Defensive Pillars and Midfield Maestros: The Unsung Heroes

NWSL Defender of the Year

While attackers often grab the headlines, the NWSL Defender of the Year award celebrates the bedrock of any successful team. Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), and Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit) were early contenders, all making substantial impacts. However, Kansas City Current`s Kayla Sharples has emerged as a compelling candidate, especially stepping up after Alana Cook`s season-ending injury. Her elevated play has even sparked quiet whispers of a long-shot MVP candidacy – a truly rare feat, as no defender has ever claimed that ultimate prize in the NWSL.

NWSL Midfielder of the Year

This category was initially wide open, with names like Washington Spirit`s Hal Hershfelt and North Carolina Courage`s Jaedyn Shaw in the mix. Yet, it`s San Diego`s Kenza Dali who has seized the spotlight. Attacking Third analyst Jess McDonald lavished praise on Dali`s consistency and footballing IQ:

“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.”

Dali`s blend of experience and tactical understanding has clearly made her indispensable.

Guardians of the Net: The Goalkeeper`s Crucible

The Goalkeeper of the Year award remains perhaps the most unpredictable, with a wide array of talented shot-stoppers vying for recognition. Injuries have impacted contenders like Houston Dash`s Jane Campbell (now splitting time) and Alyssa Naeher. Meanwhile, Utah Royals` Mandy McGlynn has faced a challenging season, leading the league in goals conceded. Yet, veterans like San Diego`s Kailen Sheridan (a past winner) and Washington Spirit`s Aubrey Kingsbury (leading in total saves) are strong contenders. Seattle Reign`s Claudia Dickey has maintained a consistent presence, while Kansas City`s Lorena leads in clean sheets and Orlando Pride`s Anna Moorehouse boasts a league-best save percentage. Predicting goalkeepers is a bit like predicting the weather in Seattle – you know it`s going to be interesting, but rarely exactly what you expect. This race could well come down to the slimmest of margins.

The Masterminds: NWSL Coach of the Year

The coaching landscape has seen its own dramatic shifts. Jonatan Giraldez, formerly of the Washington Spirit, was an early favorite before his departure to OL Lyon. Now, the spotlight firmly rests on Kansas City Current head coach Vlatko Andonovski. His ability to transform the Current into a defensive powerhouse and maintain their dominant position at the top of the table has garnered significant praise. The Coach of the Year award, a testament to tactical genius and perhaps a healthy dose of sheer willpower. Other dark horse candidates include San Diego Wave FC`s Jonas Eidevall and Racing Louisville FC`s Bev Yanez, but Andonovski`s achievements stand out.

“I think Jonas Eidevall at San Diego could be a contender, but to me Andonovski has done such a good job of getting his team on the same page, tightening up on defensively, and going through adversity, and its 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,” Lisa Carlin noted on Attacking Third.

The Ultimate Prize: Who Claims the NWSL Shield and Championship?

While individual brilliance is celebrated, the ultimate goal remains team success. The Kansas City Current were widely tipped as favorites even before the season, and their performance has only solidified that expectation for the NWSL Shield. With a commanding eight-point lead over Orlando Pride, they appear to be on a clear path to securing the regular season title. For the NWSL Championship, however, the picture is slightly different. The Washington Spirit, already 2025 Challenge Cup winners, are viewed as strong contenders to lift the final trophy, despite currently being in fourth place. The postseason is notorious for its unpredictability, but the Spirit`s knockout-stage pedigree makes them a formidable opponent.

What`s Next: The Roar Back to Life

With 13 matchweeks remaining, the NWSL season is poised for a thrilling conclusion. Every pass, every save, and every goal will contribute to shaping legacies and determining champions. The stage is set for an electrifying second half, promising fierce competition, dramatic upsets, and the relentless pursuit of glory in women`s professional soccer.