As the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) season charges into its second half, the stakes are undeniably high. With only ten weeks remaining, the competitive margins are razor-thin, and every match is a battle for crucial points. Week 16 delivered a fresh wave of the league`s characteristic chaos, featuring high-scoring draws and, most remarkably, a game-changing goal from an unexpected source. This unpredictable landscape has once again set the stage for the NWSL`s `Team of the Week,` highlighting the exceptional individual performances that collectively define the league`s intensity.
This week’s roster of standout players spans nine NWSL clubs, a testament to the league`s widespread talent pool. From the league leaders, Kansas City Current, to the battling Chicago Stars FC, excellence was found across the standings. Analysts meticulously reviewed the weekend’s fixtures to select the best XI, a top head coach, and an honorary captain, celebrating those who truly rose to the occasion.
The Naeher Phenomenon: A Goalkeeper`s Dual Masterclass
In a league celebrated for its tenacious goalkeepers, selecting just one to honor is typically a formidable task. Yet, in Week 16, Alyssa Naeher of Chicago Stars FC made the decision remarkably clear. Not only did the veteran keeper score a dramatic late-game equalizer, but her overall performance earned her an unprecedented dual inclusion in the Team of the Week. This remarkable feat—scoring as a goalkeeper and earning honors in two distinct positions (Goalkeeper and Forward)—is a rare gem in professional soccer, prompting many to wonder if she`s perhaps considering a career change to striker. Her positioning, leadership, and, indeed, her unexpected offensive prowess, simply could not be overlooked.
Defensive Fortresses: The Unsung Heroes
While goals grab headlines, a strong defense forms the bedrock of any successful team. This week`s backline selections showcased resilience and tactical acumen:
- Natalie Jacobs (Houston Dash): Houston`s second half resurgence is undeniable, and Jacobs has been instrumental. Leading her backline with three tackles and ten duels, she earned her first Best XI defensive honor, symbolizing Houston`s newfound defensive solidity.
- Ellie Jean (Racing Louisville FC): Racing Louisville’s continued presence in the upper half of the table, just two points shy of a playoff spot, owes much to Jean. As pundit Lori Lindsey aptly put it, “She has been dynamite all season long… a catalyst for their togetherness.” Her robust play was pivotal in securing a crucial road tie against Washington.
- Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): Under challenging heat conditions, Sharples anchored Kansas City`s defense against Orlando Pride, contributing to their league-leading nine clean sheets. She has emerged as the linchpin of a stingy defense, consistently defying the elements and opposing attacks.
- Emily Sams (Orlando Pride): Orlando`s ability to secure points through narrow scorelines often stems from Sams`s defensive tenacity. Known for her crunching tackles and strategic aggression, she was lauded for her tactical adjustment to a tight back four, expertly managing attacks while minimizing key threats like Chawinga.
Midfield Maestros: The Engine Room`s Brilliance
The midfield is where games are won and lost, and Week 16 saw several players dictate the tempo and create crucial opportunities:
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns): At just 19, Moultrie continues to etch her name into Thorns` history. Her Week 16 goal matched Jaedyn Shaw`s record for most NWSL goals by a teenager, a testament to her prodigious talent and long-standing connection with the club since her youth academy days.
- Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC): The French international delivered a midfield masterclass, consistently earning her spot on weekly lineups. Her long-distance, no-hesitation finish for San Diego`s game-winner was a prime example of a midfielder creating her own destiny. As former player McCall Zerboni observed, “Midfielders that create their own goals… that is just incredible.”
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current): Another 19-year-old making waves, Hutton shone brightly against top-tier opposition like Orlando Pride`s Marta, even after a three-hour heat delay. Zerboni praised her as “clean, sharp, defensively solid, making her tackles, stringing passes together… a standout.”
Attacking Brilliance: Goals That Defined the Week
While Naeher`s goal was historic, other forwards also delivered spectacular moments:
- Jordan Huitema (Seattle Reign FC): Seattle`s goal tally in Week 16 was boosted by Huitema`s breathtaking bicycle kick. While known for her aerial prowess, this athletic finish demonstrated a new dimension to the Canadian international`s game.
- Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit): The first Italian player to sign in NWSL wasted no time making her mark, scoring her debut league goal with an “absolute cracker from distance.” The 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro semifinalist has certainly introduced herself with a bang.
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC): Yes, she`s back! Beyond her goalkeeping duties, Naeher`s composure to step up in a crucial moment, down a goal late on the road, and convert a set piece from within the six-yard box, solidifies her as one of the most uniquely impactful players in the NWSL, perhaps even considering a career change to striker.
Tactical Acumen and Unwavering Support
Beyond the players, the architects and fervent supporters also earned recognition:
- Coach: Ella Masar (Chicago Stars FC): Interim head coach Ella Masar earns a well-deserved second consecutive spot on the best XI. Under her guidance, Chicago Stars are unbeaten in three games—three exhilarating draws that highlight a reinvigorated sense of determination. Their “nothing left to lose” mentality has proven contagious, transforming the 13th-place side into a frustratingly gritty opponent for any team battling for playoff contention.
- Honorary Captain: Kansas City Current fans: Even a three-hour heat delay couldn`t extinguish their competitive fire, though it surely tested the fans` literal endurance. The loyalty of the Kansas City faithful, who stuck around despite the extreme conditions, once again demonstrated why they are considered some of the best supporters in the league. Their unwavering support is an integral part of the special season Kansas City is building.
Week 16 was a microcosm of the NWSL`s compelling narrative: unpredictable, intensely competitive, and filled with individual brilliance. From historic goals to defensive masterclasses and unwavering fan support, the league continues to deliver thrilling soccer as the race to the playoffs heats up.
Percy Harlow