NWSL Week 19 Highlights: Teams Under Pressure as Playoff Chase Intensifies
As the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season approaches its final quarter, playoff aspirations grow increasingly critical. Following an action-packed Week 19, parity in the league has been amplified, with underperforming teams claiming victories over more established rivals, shifting the momentum in the standings.
This weekly roundup by Attacking Third analysts identifies standout performers, announcing the Team of the Week and featuring a record of top athletes from the weekend matches. Key broadcasts of NWSL action can be viewed across CBS platforms, including CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
Stellar Performances Recognized
The week’s standout selections showcase notable individual and collective successes:
Goalkeeper: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash)
Campbell secured a clean sheet against San Diego, justifying her long-standing role with the Dash. Her performance exemplified her position as a key player for the team, particularly amid fierce playoff contention.
Defender: Bruninha (Gotham FC)
Bruninha continued to impress, contributing defensively and offensively. She recorded the highest defensive duels against Angel City FC, showcasing her versatility and energy on the pitch. Analyst Satara Murray remarked on her dynamic presence, noting, "She’s just got rizz; she’s a cheat code."
Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
Staab made history by scoring the first goal at the Stars’ new Northwestern Medical Field, marking a significant moment for the franchise.
Defender: Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Morgan’s consistent performance was crucial in maintaining a clean sheet against Seattle Reign. Her ability to stabilize the defense was echoed by Murray, emphasizing her straightforward yet effective approach to defending.
Defender: Paige Nielsen (Houston Dash)
With multiple impactful plays, Nielsen has been pivotal in bolstering Houston’s backline, contributing significantly to their unbeaten streak.
Midfielder: Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC)
Howell’s stunning shot from distance rattled the crossbar, serving as a momentum shift for Gotham as they vie for playoff positioning.
Midfielder: Julia Grosso (Chicago Stars FC)
Grosso played a crucial role in expanding her team’s lead against Orlando, contributing a goal and an assist in shaping the match outcome.
Midfielder: Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)
Santos made headlines with an impressive lob for Rodman’s opening goal, pivotal to her team’s attacking thrust.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Chawinga’s 12th goal of the season not only leads the golden boot race but also enhances her MVP candidacy, emphasizing her scoring prowess.
Forward: Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Fresh off an injury, Rodman’s return fueled the Spirit’s attack, with her brace significantly impacting their match performance.
Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
After being named Player of the Month for August, Ludmila continued her scoring streak, netting her 10th goal of the season.
Coach: Fabrice Gautrat (Houston Dash)
Gautrat has been instrumental in steering Houston through a six-game unbeaten run, elevating their status as formidable contenders in the postseason race.
Honorary Captain: Alex Morgan
Morgan’s legacy was celebrated as her number 13 was retired by San Diego Wave FC, reflecting her profound impact on women’s soccer, both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
With only seven match weeks left in the 2025 NWSL season, every game carries heightened stakes as teams scramble for playoff spots. The recent episodes of unexpected outcomes reiterate the league’s competitiveness, and as teams pursue their championship dreams, fans can anticipate even more thrilling matchups.
The narrowing window for teams must galvanize performances, exemplifying the resilience and determination that characterize the NWSL. As athletes step up and emerging talent takes center stage, the upcoming weeks promise to deliver captivating soccer that will shape the playoffs.
In this dynamic landscape, the implications of the current performances extend far beyond individual accolades; they will ultimately determine who contends for the championship and who falls short in a season marked by remarkable parity.
