Temwa Chawinga and Trinity Rodman headline the 2026 NWSL Awards finalists as fan voting opens ahead of the ceremony on 18 November, with the league and supporters set to decide key prizes.
Author: Rhon Lenn
Gotham FC beat the Seattle Reign 1-0 in the NWSL Playoffs opener when a Jordyn Bugg own goal settled a scrappy game, but coach Juan Carlos Amorós apologised for the poor pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Charlton have lost all eight WSL games this season and sit pointless after a 6-0 defeat at Chelsea. The scale of the challenge shows how wide the gap is between the top flight and the Championship.
Arsenal secured three points but suffered fresh injury concerns and tactical doubts. Renée Slegers has decisions to make as the squad heads into a congested run of fixtures with depth unproven.
Washington overwhelmed Portland at Audi Field, building a 3-0 half-time lead and finishing 4-1. Trinity Rodman scored twice as the Spirit reached the semifinals to face Utah Royals.
Khadija Shaw scored a first‑half hat‑trick as Manchester City dismantled West Ham 5–0, reclaiming top spot in the Women’s Super League with a commanding attacking display.
Michelle Cooper converted an extra-time penalty to lift Kansas City Current past Angel City in the NWSL quarter-finals, while seventh-seeded Utah Royals stunned San Diego Wave.
Gotham FC moved from surprise winners to a deliberately constructed favourite in 2026. The club prioritised depth, continuity and clearer decision-making to sustain success beyond knockout runs.
Sonia Bompastor revealed Lauren James will miss at least five matches, putting her involvement in England’s upcoming World Cup qualifying play-offs in doubt and creating a selection headache.
La Masia graduate Clara Serrajordi has become a regular in Barcelona’s midfield after early first-team exposure, starting high-profile matches and taking on responsibilities left by Alexia Putellas’s departure.