The National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) is notorious for its relentless competition, where the margin between triumph and heartbreak is often razor-thin. With only four weeks remaining, the scramble for playoff spots has reached a fever pitch. Individual brilliance, often overshadowed by team narratives, becomes the ultimate differentiator in these crucial moments.
This weekly tradition of spotlighting standout performers isn`t just about handing out accolades; it`s a vital pulse check on a league brimming with dynamic athletes. It`s a recognition of those who, through sheer skill, tactical discipline, or a flash of genius, carved out defining moments in a weekend packed with high-stakes encounters.
The Defensive Wall: Resilience and Tactical Acumen
In a league celebrated for its attacking flair, the foundations are often laid at the back. Week 22 saw goalkeepers and defenders delivering masterclasses in composure and tactical understanding.
- Mia Justus (Utah Royals): The Utah Royals, refusing to fade quietly, showcased their resilience, largely thanks to Justus`s heroics. Her crucial saves weren`t just about preventing goals; they were a defiant statement, contributing to a clean sheet that echoed the team`s fighting spirit.
- Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals): A true standout, Thomsen earned her second consecutive Team of the Week appearance. Her knack for finding the net from distance, coupled with her defensive solidity, makes her a unique threat. Two goals in as many weeks from a defender? That`s not just impressive; it`s practically a cheat code.
- Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC): While Gotham`s attacking fullbacks often grab headlines, Sonnett`s unyielding presence at centerback is the bedrock. In a system demanding high pressing, her ability to lead defenders in recoveries (six this week) speaks volumes about her stable influence and tactical intelligence. She`s the anchor in Gotham`s storm.
- Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC): Seattle`s late-season surge relies on adaptability, and McClernon provides the unwavering consistency that allows for tactical shifts. Her leadership and calm demeanor on the backline are invaluable, demonstrated by her five recoveries and nine duels won – numbers that underscore her critical role in holding the fort.
- Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC): Sometimes, the individual performance perfectly aligns with the team`s need for a breakthrough. Sonis, forming a formidable flank partnership with Emma Sears, delivered just that for Racing Louisville. Her blend of attacking support and diligent recovery work is proving to be a persistent headache for opposing defenses.
Midfield Maestros: Orchestrating Play and Delivering Clutch Moments
The engine room of any successful team, the midfielders in Week 22 were a testament to creative vision, relentless energy, and the ability to turn opportunities into definitive advantages.
- Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit): The Washington Spirit`s preferred lineup is gelling beautifully, and Bethune is a central figure in this symphony. Her uncanny ability to “thread the needle” with passes, regardless of the congestion in the box, makes her an architect of crucial attacking sequences and a true impact player.
- Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC): Lavelle`s name is synonymous with postseason excellence, and her Week 22 performance – a goal and an assist – was a potent reminder of her elite status. As Gotham eyes another deep playoff run, her ability to deliver game-changing moments will be paramount. She doesn`t just play; she elevates.
- Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current): The Kansas City Current continue their impressive march, and veteran LaBonta remains their reliable penalty specialist. Her 14th career penalty kick not only added to her legend but also tied Megan Rapinoe`s record – a feat that places her in truly esteemed company. Talk about nerve.
Forward Firepower: Goals, Impact, and Record-Breaking Feats
When the stakes are highest, forwards are expected to deliver. Week 22 saw a clinic in clinical finishing, immediate impact, and even a historic hat-trick.
- Midge Purce (Gotham FC): The return of a healthy Midge Purce is a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league. After stringing together three consecutive 90-minute performances, her goal in Week 22 was a clear signal: Gotham`s attack just got a whole lot scarier.
- Jacqueline Ovalle (Orlando Pride): Mexican international Ovalle has wasted no time making her mark for the Orlando Pride. After an assist last week, she found the back of the net this week, demonstrating her immediate and undeniable impact on the team`s attacking fortunes.
- Gift Monday (Washington Spirit): While not quite the blink-and-you-miss-it speed of Ludmila`s August hat-trick, Gift Monday`s performance was no less spectacular. Three goals in the 18th, 21st, and 36th minutes marked the fastest first-half hat-trick in league history. With the playoffs still weeks away, Monday is already delivering postseason-caliber performances.
The Mastermind and the Honorable Exit
Behind every great performance is often a strategic brain, and sometimes, a team`s exit from contention can be as memorable as a triumph.
- Coach Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC): Coach Yanez`s tactical dexterity shone bright in Week 22. Snapping a three-game losing streak, her adjustments – like moving Janine Sonis to left back after an injury and trusting rookie Sarah Webber with a start – paid dividends. Racing Louisville`s playoff hopes remain alive, a testament to astute leadership.
- Honorary Captains: Chicago Stars FC`s 2025 Midseason Run: It`s a bittersweet moment for the Chicago Stars FC, the first team to be officially eliminated from 2025 postseason contention. Yet, their recognition as “honorary captains” is a well-deserved nod to a season that, despite the outcome, was far from forgettable. They proved that even when the ultimate prize is out of reach, brilliance can still light up the league. A six-game unbeaten streak, Ludmila`s record-breaking hat-trick (earning her Player of the Month honors), and Alyssa Naeher`s new league saves record are not footnotes; they are indelible marks on the NWSL landscape. Their crowning moment of defiance? Snapping first-place Kansas City`s shutout streak. The Stars bowed out not with a whimper, but with a series of mic drops, reminding everyone that in the NWSL, every team is capable of magic.
As the NWSL hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, Week 22 serves as a vibrant reminder of the league`s enduring appeal: a compelling mix of individual artistry, tactical battles, and raw, unadulterated passion. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, the coming weeks promise even more unforgettable moments from these incredible athletes.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore