The National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) recently reignited its 2025 regular season, drawing a collective sigh of relief and excitement from fans after a month-long international hiatus. Players, having showcased their prowess on global stages from the UEFA Women`s Euro to the Women`s African Cup of Nations and Copa America Femenina, returned to their club duties, bringing with them a heightened level of skill and competitive fire.
Week 14 marked the official kickoff of the season`s second half, and it did not disappoint. From Kansas City`s relentless pursuit of the NWSL Shield to tightly contested matchups and truly dazzling goals, the league immediately reasserted its position as a hotbed of women`s soccer talent. Naturally, with such a return to form, the time was ripe to acknowledge the standout performers.
The Return of the Stars: Week 14`s Elite Eleven
Each week, the challenge of selecting a “Best XI,” along with a head coach and honorary captain, from a roster of over 300 elite athletes becomes increasingly formidable. Yet, Week 14 presented a clear case for several individuals who not only played well but decisively impacted their team`s fortunes. This is a celebration of those who hit the ground running, transforming post-international break rust into polished brilliance.
Goalkeeper: Mia Justus (Utah Royals)
Rookie goalkeeper Mia Justus proved why she earned a January camp call-up with the U.S. Women`s National Team. Her regular season debut on the road was anything but routine, facing down reigning champions and Shield holders. Despite conceding late, her five saves against ten shots and 23 crosses were instrumental in salvaging a crucial point for the Royals in Orlando. A stellar performance that silenced any debut nerves.
Defensive Pillars: Unyielding Strength at the Back
- Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit): Fresh from winning the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro with England, Morgan seamlessly slotted back into the Washington Spirit`s defense. Her flexibility in the Spirit`s dynamic three-back system and her unwavering composure under pressure exemplified championship-winning mentality. As one analyst remarked, “She looked so calm on the ball, loved watching her play… to get straight off the plane, and turn up for the Spirit, I thought she was great.”
- Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC): Instrumental in Seattle Reign`s clean sheet – one of only three achieved in Week 14 – McClernon anchored her team with vocal leadership and confidence. She marshaled the defense through waves of attacks, leading her team in clearances (five) and recoveries (eight), ensuring the opposition remained off the scoreboard.
- Kristen McNabb (San Diego Wave FC): As San Diego continues its resurgence under Head Coach Jonas Eidevall, Kristen McNabb has become a quiet, consistent force. Partnering with rookie Trinity Armstrong, her veteran presence ensures the backline remains settled, executing the essential, often unsung, work that secures gritty results like scoreless draws.
- Tyler Lussi (North Carolina Courage): Matching San Diego`s defensive prowess in their stalemate, Tyler Lussi demonstrated her versatility and commitment. While known for her attacking runs, her disciplined performance as a fullback, making quick recoveries and aiding defensive responsibilities, was a powerful reminder of her comprehensive skill set. Could this defensive adjustment be key for the Courage`s second-half push? Time will tell.
Midfield Maestros: Orchestrating Play and Delivering Impact
- Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals): Japan international Mina Tanaka wasted no time in making a statement, scoring a stunning goal within the opening five minutes against the Orlando Pride. Her audacious strike from roughly 30 yards out, after receiving a pass just past the halfway line, was a moment of pure brilliance that hints at the Royals` potential to play spoiler this season.
- Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit): The former Rookie and Midfielder of the Year, Croix Bethune, appears poised for a breakout second half. Returning from injury, she delivered a sublime flick for an assist on Trinity Rodman`s pivotal game-winning goal, showcasing her vision and touch at a crucial moment.
- Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC): Riding high on the sweet summer vibes of Wales` historic debut in the 2025 Euros, Welsh international Jess Fishlock brought her characteristic spark and experience to Seattle Reign. Her ability to score the equalizer and then force an own goal for the game-winner underlines her enduring influence on the pitch.
Dynamic Forwards: Finding the Net and Forging Chaos
- Penelope Hocking (Bay FC): If there were a “most improved player” award, Bay FC`s Penelope Hocking would be a strong contender. Quietly assembling an MVP-caliber season, she leads her team with five goals. Her recent top-tier finish against Houston Dash was a testament to her consistent, impactful performances.
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): For Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga, scoring seems less like an effort and more like an inevitability. Her ninth goal of the season puts her just one behind the Golden Boot leader, Esther Gonzalez. With such an innate ability to find the net, Chawinga is undeniably a contender for individual accolades as the season progresses.
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit): The story of the week, perhaps of the season`s restart, belongs to Trinity Rodman. After a nearly four-month absence due to injury, Rodman entered the game with just 14 minutes remaining and promptly delivered the game-winning goal. More than just securing three points and launching the Spirit into third place, her return was an emotional triumph, both for her and the team. “I was doing a lot of work behind the scenes by myself,” Rodman shared, detailing her rigorous rehabilitation. “It feels great to be back.” Her immediate impact was nothing short of cinematic.
The Orchestrator and the Heartbeat
- Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit): Adrian Gonzalez`s leadership of the Spirit has seen various iterations, but his latest tenure, beginning before the international break, has truly brought the team together. With key players like Rodman returning, Gonzalez has proven his ability to unify and ignite the squad, delivering a perfect start to the season`s second half.
- Honorary Captain: Rachel Kundananji (Bay FC): Zambia international Rachel Kundananji, despite having only one goal on 38 shots, remains a force. Providing the assist for Penelope Hocking`s goal, her third of the season, she consistently creates chaos in the opposition`s final third. Her unwavering effort and visible joy for the game – even after hitting the post twice, she smiled and did a forward roll – make her an inspirational figure. “She`s my captain of the week,” proclaimed one analyst, recognizing her lead-by-example approach.
Week 14 unequivocally declared that the NWSL is back, brimming with talent, drama, and compelling narratives. As the 2025 season charges forward, the performances witnessed upon its return promise a thrilling remainder of the campaign, filled with individual brilliance and collective ambition.
