NWSL Team of the Week: Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave Shine Bright
The 2026 NWSL regular season is reaching its climax, with only two matches left for teams to solidify their playoff positions. In this high-stakes environment, individual performances are crucial, prompting the selection of the latest Attacking Third Team of the Week. This week, standout players from Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave have made significant impacts, showcasing their talents as the playoffs loom.
San Diego Wave has been in exceptional form, bolstered by their goalkeeper situation. After a midseason acquisition of Sandra Paños from Club América, the team has found stability in goal. Paños faced 23 crosses and 13 shots in a recent match against North Carolina, making three crucial saves that helped secure three points in the race for the NWSL Shield.
For teams fighting to stay above the playoff line, every match is a must-win. Sofia Huerta of the Kansas City Current continues to impress, adding to her all-time assist record with a key setup for Nerilia Mondesir, who scored an insurance goal. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Robinson's solid performance at centerback, where she led her team in clearances and interceptions, was instrumental in earning a clean sheet against Utah Royals.
Rookie outside back Mimi Van Zanten has also made her mark this season, consistently starting and contributing to both defense and attack. Her recent performance against North Carolina saw her leading the team in tackles and recoveries, further establishing her as a vital part of the squad.
Washington Spirit's Gabrielle Carle had a standout game against Gotham FC, leading her team in touches, tackles, and duels, while also helping to secure a clean sheet. This victory clinched a playoff spot for the Spirit, keeping them in contention for the NWSL Shield. Additionally, Algerian midfielder Melissa Bethi made a significant impact, providing the game-winning assist to Lucia Di Guglielmo, who scored her first career NWSL goal in a crucial match.
Key players making game-changing impacts
Ally Sentnor's long-range goal against Denver Summit was another highlight, showcasing her ability to change the game with a single strike. San Diego Wave's Kenza Dali has been a key player this season, contributing to the team's build-up play and helping secure vital victories.
Seattle Reign's Maddie Mercado also earned her spot on the Team of the Week after scoring two goals in a recent match, demonstrating her clinical finishing ability. Haley Hopkins of the Kansas City Current has been a clutch performer, netting six goals in three games, including a brace against Utah Royals, further solidifying her role as a key player.
After Further Review
As the playoffs approach, San Diego Wave continues to impress with their attacking prowess, highlighted by stunning goals from players like Melanie Barcenas and Trinity Byars. The coaching accolades this week go to Adrian Gonzalez of Washington Spirit, whose tactical adjustments and game management were pivotal in their recent success.
Congratulations to Lucia Di Guglielmo for her game-winning goal, marking a significant milestone in her NWSL career. As the regular season winds down, the performances of these players will be crucial in determining playoff outcomes and potential championship runs.
