As the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) season thunders into its final quarter, the stakes couldn`t be higher. With merely seven match weeks remaining, every pass, tackle, and goal carries the weight of playoff aspirations. Week 19 was a testament to the league`s electrifying parity, where the narrative of underdogs challenging top-tier teams wasn`t just a possibility but a recurring reality, snatching crucial points and reshaping the playoff landscape. This shift in momentum, powered by individual brilliance and collective grit, provides a compelling backdrop for our latest look at the standout performances across the league.
Amidst the ferocity of the playoff chase, Week 19 also offered a moment of profound reflection: the retirement of USWNT legend Alex Morgan`s #13 jersey by San Diego Wave FC. It was a poignant reminder that while the game relentlessly pushes forward, its foundations are built upon the indelible contributions of pioneers who transcend the field of play, shaping the very soul of the sport.
The Unpredictable Dance of Parity
The NWSL has long been lauded for its competitive balance, a trait that makes every match a potential thriller. Week 19 underscored this attribute with a flourish, demonstrating that league position is merely a suggestion, not a destiny. Teams battling at the lower echelons of the standings refused to be mere stepping stones, instead delivering performances that left many, including seasoned analysts, pleasantly perplexed. This unpredictability ensures that no fixture is a foregone conclusion, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and playoff calculators working overtime. It’s a wonderful chaos, really, where anyone can beat anyone on any given Sunday – or Wednesday, as the schedule demands.
Guardians of the Goal and Defensive Stalwarts
In a league where every point is precious, the ability to keep a clean sheet is a golden commodity. This week, the spotlight shone brightly on defensive masterclasses, proving that sometimes, the most exciting plays are those that prevent goals:
- Jane Campbell (Houston Dash): A long-standing pillar for the Dash, Campbell delivered a pristine clean sheet against San Diego. After sharing minutes earlier in the season, this performance was a timely reminder of her enduring class between the posts. One might say she simply “reminded everyone who the boss is” when it comes to denying opponents.
- Bruninha (Gotham FC): The Brazilian international earned her second consecutive Team of the Week nod, a testament to her relentless work rate. Operating from the fullback position, she covered immense ground, blending defensive solidity with an audacious attacking flair. As one analyst aptly put it, she`s “a cheat code” – capable of pulling off skills that defy her positional duties.
- Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars): Marking history in Chicago`s new home, Staab not only anchored her defense but also notched the first goal at Northwestern Medical Field at Martin Stadium. A defender scoring crucial goals? That`s always a crowd-pleaser, and a bit of an added bonus to her primary job of stopping them.
- Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit): Even with squad rotation to manage player loads, Morgan stepped up for the Spirit, contributing significantly to a clean sheet against Seattle Reign. Her consistent, no-nonsense approach to defending—winning challenges and keeping it simple—is precisely what coaches crave when the pressure mounts.
- Paige Nielsen (Houston Dash): Another Houston hero, Nielsen’s commitment to literally putting her body on the line against San Diego earned her well-deserved recognition. With an impressive tally of clearances and interceptions in her recent starts, she’s the kind of defender who ensures nothing gets past, even if it means a bruise or two.
Midfield Maestros: Orchestrating Chaos and Creation
The engine room of any successful team, the midfield, saw players not just holding fort but actively shaping outcomes, dictating tempo, and delivering decisive blows:
- Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC): The quintessential holding midfielder, Howell doesn`t just disrupt; she delivers. Her crossbar-rattling strike from outside the box wasn`t merely a goal; it was a statement, a definitive moment that propelled Gotham`s playoff push. Opponents likely felt that particular “thud” for days, a polite reminder of Gotham`s renewed ambition.
- Julia Grosso (Chicago Red Stars): A week of “check, check, check” for Grosso, who seamlessly combined an assist with a goal against Orlando. Her collaborative play and incisive moves in the box were instrumental in inflating Chicago`s lead, showcasing a complete midfield performance.
- Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit): Returning to the starting lineup, Santos`s presence was immediately felt. Her perfectly weighted lob for Trinity Rodman`s opening goal demonstrated why her ability to manage club and country responsibilities is so vital to her team`s attacking prowess. A true creative force, even when managing a heavy workload.
Forwards: The Clinical Edge of Victory
Goals change games, and in Week 19, a few forwards reminded us why they are considered the league`s most potent threats, turning half-chances into full-blown celebrations:
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): Give her an inch, and she`ll take a mile—and probably score. Chawinga`s 12th goal of the season not only solidified her lead in the Golden Boot race but also kept the MVP chatter buzzing. Defenders facing her might as well start planning their post-match ice baths; she`s a relentless force.
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit): After navigating a back injury, Rodman`s return to form has been nothing short of spectacular. Bagging a brace in Week 19, she`s regaining comfort and confidence at precisely the right moment. The NWSL just got a whole lot scarier for opposing defenses, as a fully fit Rodman is a truly terrifying prospect.
- Ludmila (Chicago Red Stars): Fresh off August Player of the Month honors, Ludmila continued her rich vein of form, scoring her 10th goal of the season. The Golden Boot race just got another formidable contender, proving that consistency in front of goal is indeed king, queen, and perhaps the entire royal court.
Tactical Mastermind: Guiding the Dash
Behind every great team performance is often a strategic vision, and one coach`s influence was particularly evident:
- Coach Fabrice Gautrat (Houston Dash): Whether it was the mid-season reset or the undeniable Houston heat that invigorated his squad, Gautrat has transformed the Dash into a formidable force. Their six-game unbeaten streak is a testament to his ability to foster collective play, making them a team no playoff hopeful wants to encounter in these crucial final weeks.
An Enduring Legacy: Alex Morgan, Forever #13
Beyond the immediate triumphs and tactical battles, Week 19 offered a rare moment to salute a legend. San Diego Wave FC`s retirement of Alex Morgan`s #13 jersey was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was an acknowledgment of a career that transcended statistics. Morgan`s impact, both on and off the pitch, has shaped not just the NWSL but the global landscape of women`s soccer. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that some players don`t just participate; they redefine the game itself through their skill, resilience, and unwavering dedication. It’s a fitting tribute to a player who will inspire generations to come, a true icon whose number now rightfully hangs in the rafters.
Looking Ahead: The Final Sprint
With the playoff picture still fluid and every team vying for position, the remaining match weeks promise an enthralling conclusion to the 2025 NWSL season. The performances witnessed in Week 19 serve as a thrilling preview of the intensity, skill, and sheer drama yet to unfold. From the rising stars like Bruninha and Rodman to the established legends who continue to dazzle, and the enduring legacies of figures like Alex Morgan, the NWSL continues to deliver compelling narratives, proving that women`s professional soccer is not just growing, but absolutely thriving.
Gareth Fenton 
Percy Harlow