When the “Attacking Third” crew put together their latest NWSL Team of the Week, they had to sift through hundreds of players, but a few absolutely jumped off the pitch. With the 2026 regular season clock ticking down and the postseason on the horizon, players are seizing these final opportunities to make their mark. This isn’t some casual end-of-season stroll; it’s the final push, and every single game feels like a playoff battle.
The Goalie & Defensive Wall
Talk about stepping up when it counts! Kailen Sheridan, the North Carolina Courage’s rock between the posts, is proving why every game is a playoff game when you’re battling for a spot. She’s keeping those close matches from slipping into dropped points, showcasing why she’s a reliable force. Down in San Diego, Kennedy Wesley, the Wave FC centerback, was an absolute nightmare for Orlando Pride attackers. Her positioning was impeccable, making her a huge thorn in their side, and she was a constant, reliable outlet for her teammates building play. The defender’s impact was so massive that the talk afterward centered on whether she even got a “soft” penalty call against her, which tells you everything about her presence.
Unbelievable Goals & Crucial Returns
Then there’s Janine Sonis from Denver Summit. What a player! She’s back on the Team of the Week, and honestly, she’s making it look easy out there. This fullback scored her 12th goal of the season, and let me tell you, it came from an outrageous angle. We’re talking pure magic! Meanwhile, North Carolina’s backline got a massive boost with Natalie Jacobs back in action. She’d been navigating a head injury earlier this season, returned to the pitch in July, but her first start in over a month was during a huge win that absolutely had playoff implications. With her veteran presence, the backline looked so much more comfortable, and she helped the Courage snag their first clean sheet since September 6. And don’t sleep on Tara Rudd from Washington Spirit, who proved if goals are tough to come by, you get your defender to score one! She turned into a centerback in the box on a set piece, heading in a cross to put Washington ahead. Talk about versatile!
The NWSL is in its final month before the postseason, and these players are sending a clear message to the rest of the league. Every performance from here on out is under a microscope, making every tackle, every save, and every ridiculous goal mean that much more. Who’s going to keep this momentum going as the playoff line gets tighter? You absolutely do not want to miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply