Every NWSL team is at least a third of the way through their seasons, and now the league is taking a month-long pause during the group stage of the men’s World Cup.
The first half of the season has seen the Utah Royals go unbeaten in their last 10 matches, San Diego Wave relaxing into their dominance and the Washington Spirit finding some luck in a fake coyote.
Other teams have recovered from a stutter step out of the games, like the Kansas City Current, who are benefiting from Temwa Chawinga’s healthy return, while other teams have been stuck in the table’s basement.
Now, teams are waving goodbye to their international players and taking a moment to refocus, while The Athletic’s women’s soccer writers perform a midseason review, starting with the teams going into the break with some serious momentum.
Trending up: A Spirit animal, Royal run and catching the Wave
A plastic coyote has followed the Washington Spirit around since the beginning of their winning streak in San Jose. (Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
Washington Spirit
As Trinity Rodman put it recently, this team is “hungry” to finally win the championship that has eluded them for the past three seasons.
They have the talent to do it. Their midfield is anchored by the relentless Hal Hershfelt and Leicy Santos’ ability to produce moments of brilliance in the final third. (See her direct free-kick goal against Seattle.)
Out wide, the Spirit can overwhelm opponents with depth and pace, with Rodman, Rosemonde Kouassi, Claudia Martínez and Gift Monday. Their defense has gone through an evolution, especially with a heavy match schedule, but their performance against the Seattle Reign showed they can be scrappy and solid defensively when needed. They just have to overcome simple errors in front of their own goal.
Beyond the roster, the front office, now strengthened by president of soccer operations Haley Carter, has assembled the resources, infrastructure and ambition required to compete for both the NWSL Shield and the Championship. The Spirit have spent much of the season looking dangerous without consistently firing on all cylinders.
If they find that final gear after the summer break, the rest of the league should be very concerned. Plus, they have Jose, the coyote. Even if his magic dwindled in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, it’s back up just in time for the break. — Asli Pelit
Utah Royals forward Mina Tanaka had an immediate impact when she returned to the team after the Asian Cup. (Jamie Sabau / Imagn Images)
Utah Royals
For the past two seasons, the Utah Royals have concluded their NWSL campaigns with such panache, leaving many of us asking ourselves during the offseason what this team could accomplish if they maintained that quality all season long.
So far, we’ve had a glimpse of what that looks like. If anything, they started the season with a quick slump, almost as though shrugging off the last dregs of winter (and possibly struggling to fill the gap left behind by forward Mina Tanaka, who was off winning an Asian Cup title with Japan at the start of the season). They lost their first two matches to the Kansas City Current and the Denver Summit and have picked up at least a point in every fixture since. They enter the summer break with a game in hand and one point behind the No. 1 San Diego Wave, but more importantly, Utah are clicking from front to back, more assertive and disciplined on the ball than most teams in the league.
It helps that Tanaka has unlocked a new level to her game. The 32-year-old has scored four goals and provided as many assists out of 10 games played — the result, perhaps, of a more free-flowing reign she was given this year by Royals manager Jimmy Coenraets and his coaching staff. This has allowed Tanaka to control the tempo of the game and draw defensive attention, freeing up fellow forwards Cloe Lacasse (who’s also scored four on the season), Paige Cronin, and Kiana Palacios.
Defensively, center-back Kate Del Fava is arguably in the form of her life, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. The 2025 Iron Woman has earned her first call-up to the U.S. women’s national team with the under-23s and is primed to return from the summer break with even more inspiration to see out the season strong. — Tamerra Griffin
Kennedy Wesley’s calm and confidence on the backline have helped San Diego hold on to first place in NWSL. (Joe Buvid / Getty Images)
San Diego Wave
Momentum feels relative, especially with teams having played between 11 and 13 matches heading into this month-long pause. But what I think the San Diego Wave will thank themselves for later this year is having 25 points heading into this break. These points could be the difference between a chance at a postseason or cutting their season short prematurely.
The team already has consistency on the pitch — from Kennedy Wesley’s confidence in the back line and Lia Godfrey’s stellar rookie campaign to Brazilian stars Gabi Portilho, Dudinha and Ludmila’s chemistry. Now imagine what San Diego will look like with Cat Macario’s impending arrival. While her extended absence from the pitch still feels alarming, the break could provide the perfect amount of time for the attacking player to ease her way into the team and, eventually, the NWSL. At least, that’s what I am manifesting.
San Diego resumes play on July 4 against 2025 NWSL champions Gotham FC, and it’s the first time the two will have played in 2026. I’m expecting appointment viewing that day, with Gotham wanting to secure another clean sheet, while San Diego will surely want to prove why they’ve floated at the top of the league table all season long. – Melanie Anzidei
Trending down: Stars misaligned, Racing to the break
Chicago Stars
The Chicago Stars may need this summer pause the most. U.S. forward Mallory Swanson is back and already making an impact, helping the club secure a crucial victory at Bay FC in just her second match since returning, but the challenge is integrating the rest of the roster around her.
Chicago invested heavily last offseason, bringing in proven talent such as Jordyn Huitema, Michelle Alozie and Aaliyah Farmer. On paper, there is enough attacking quality to compete for a playoff spot. The break gives the coaching staff a rare opportunity to build chemistry, establish clearer roles and figure out how to maximize the talent now available.
Off the field, the club’s decision to part ways with general manager Richard Feuz feels like an acknowledgment that the status quo was not working. The leadership change is a necessary first step.
The next question is whether ownership is willing to be aggressive. If Chicago truly wants to salvage its season, this summer window cannot be passive. A marquee midfield signing could provide the creativity and control the team has lacked. With Swanson back and the attacking pieces already in place, the Stars have a chance to turn their season around. But with just three wins this season, they need to act now. — Pelit
Veteran striker Cristiana Girelli has refreshed Bay FC, yet they’ve struggled recently. (Al Sermeno / Getty Images)
Bay FC
The good news for Bay is that two of their three wins in the first part of the season came against quality teams: the North Carolina Courage, who are seventh in the table, and the top-ranked Wave. They are capable of rising to the occasion, and the inclusions this season of veteran striker Cristiana Girelli (on loan from Juventus) and 20-year-old Claire Hutton have both been refreshing injections of verve to a team that struggled on and off the pitch last season.
What’s worrying is that they are now winless in their last five games, making it difficult not to slip into the same despair as last season, when they closed out the season not having won a match since June. For a team that wants to possess the ball and play through the midfield, Bay will at times display the right intentions but fail to execute, or showcase technical ability but lack a plan. Intent and execution are rarely on the pitch at the same time.
This may be a matter of confidence; sometimes a prolonged rest can remedy that. The few and far between moments that midfielder Onyeka Gamero has played have been promising; she offers a spark of pace and creativity that Bay needs, especially as Alex Pfeiffer, another young, dynamic player, recovers from a knee injury. — Griffin
Emma Sears and Racing Louisville head into the NWSL break at the bottom of the table. (Dylan Buell / Getty Images)
Racing Louisville
It is hard to fathom how Racing Louisville went from a historic 2025 season to what is shaping up to be a forgettable 2026 campaign.
It’s not that Racing is necessarily bombing their performances on the pitch; their losses have all been by a single goal, and the team recently had a statement win in early May against the Portland Thorns. Racing have also managed to score 15 goals across 11 matches — a strong indicator that the team is capable of much more than their record would have you believe. However, something simply is not clicking for this team. This pause could give Racing the time to figure out what exactly that might be.
It is relevant to note that ESPN reported in mid-May that Racing is “exploring” a “partial sale” to bring in additional investors into the club. — Anzidei
Making a splash this summer
Boston Legacy
Boston Legacy should make the most talked-about signing of the 2026 summer transfer window because they have to. For much of its inaugural season, the conversation around Boston has been dominated by Bianca St-Georges’ red cards rather than the club’s on-field ambitions. That needs to change.
The foundation is already there. Boston has assembled a competitive, international roster, and ownership has shown both the resources and willingness to invest aggressively. What the club still lacks is a genuine global superstar capable of transforming results, attracting attention and accelerating its rise from expansion side to contender.
Boston offers a rare opportunity for a Ballon d’Or winner seeking a new challenge — *ahem Alexia Putellas* — the chance to become the face of a franchise and one of the defining figures of the league. — Pelit
Boston Legacy is one of several possible landing spots for former Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas. (Judit Cartiel / Getty Images)
Portland Thorns
Portland Thorns fans, close your eyes. Now, imagine one of Spain’s most dependable and athletic center-backs, Mapi Leon, striding into Providence Park with her cool-girl neck tattoos and exquisite left-footed deliveries. When the former Barcelona star is not absorbing opponents’ attacks (which Portland needs right now as it’s allowed 14 goals this season, more than the other top-four teams and the third-most among the top eight), she will be appreciating your world-class coffee and breathing in the lush forestry of the Pacific Northwest.
Leon has already announced her departure from Barça after winning four Champions League titles and a slew of other trophies with them. Though she’s been heavily linked to Michele Kang’s London City Lionesses, why not at least try?
For a Portland side with a lot of potential and a leaky defense, it could be a valuable match. — Griffin
Gotham signed Guro Reiten in a shock move this year and could continue to add. (Getty Images)
Gotham FC
There are too many big-name players on the market right now not to expect Gotham to make a successful bid at bringing at least one of them on. The team’s motto remains “always building, never finished,” so to expect anything less would be naïve.
Will we see Sam Kerr make her return to the club? Will the team make a play for Putellas or bring in a player that no one sees coming? Let’s not forget Jaedyn Shaw signed with Gotham in September last year. And no one could have predicted Guro Reiten’s arrival, but the club made it work.
Does Gotham need to make a splash with their summer signing? Not necessarily. The team has incredible depth already. While they have struggled to score this season, players like Rose Lavelle and Esther Gonzalez had several chances against the Houston Dash this past weekend. But the club certainly could use all the help they can get to manage player workload ahead of 2027, so I’m more inclined to think a signing is coming. — Anzidei
Too early for end-of-year predictions? No way.
Pelit
MVP: Sophia Wilson, Portland Thorns
Defender: Sarah Gorden, Angel City FC
Midfielder: Claire Hutton, Bay FC
Goalkeeper: Mandy McGlynn, Utah Royals
Golden Boot: Barbra Banda, Orlando Pride
Rookie: Tessa Dellarose, Chicago Stars. She scored her first goal with a lone shot on target against ACFC, showing the league what she is capable of. She could easily be part of Chicago Stars’ second-half push if they get their ducks in a row.
Coach of the year: Juan Carlos Amoros, Gotham FC
Barbra Banda leads the Golden Boot race heading into the NWSL break. (David Banks / Imagn Images)
Anzidei
MVP: Banda. The Orlando Pride forward has set herself apart in this year’s Golden Boot race already and is proving to be an all-round invaluable asset. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, I can see her extending her dominance from club to country. This is Banda’s year.
Defender: Kennedy Wesley, San Diego Wave
Midfielder: Olivia Moultrie, Portland Thorns
Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan, North Carolina Courage
Golden Boot: Banda
Rookie: Jordynn Dudley, Gotham FC
Coach of the year: Robert Vilahamn, Portland Thorns
North Carolina forward Ashley Sanchez could be a surprise contender for Golden Boot. (Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images)
Griffin
MVP: Banda
Defender: Kate Del Fava, Utah Royals
Midfielder: Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit
Goalkeeper: Abby Smith, Denver Summit
Golden Boot: Ashley Sanchez, North Carolina Courage. Spicy, I know! She’s four goals behind Banda and though she’s tied with Temwa Chawinga, the two-time Malawian Golden Boot winner has taken fewer games to do it. But something is just different about Sanchez this season, and I can see her entering an even more focused and intense gear on the other side of the break.
Rookie: Dudley, Gotham FC
Coach of the Year: Jimmy Coenraets, Utah Royals
Finally, every team’s song of the summer
What better way to embrace the summer vibes than with the perfect playlist. We went through the painstaking process of assigning a song of the summer to each of the 16 NWSL teams. These songs are representative in lyrical, metaphorical and just vibing senses.
This was a collective assignment, so the songs are as eclectic as the league and our team. Enjoy from the top of the table to the bottom.
San Diego: “Dance Tonight” by Lucy Pearl
It’s no surprise that this team has fully embraced the prevailing ethos of the city it calls home: having fun is a luxury worth fighting for. For a team full of creatives, the Wave are at their best when they’re relaxed and enjoying the ball. Almost like you can imagine a DJ off to the side and a disco ball hovering over the pitch. – Griffin
Utah Royals: “Wickedest” by Tems
Not many people understood the plan when Utah quietly churned and toiled the earth (and dealt with staggering injuries, to be fair). Now they’re harvesting, and the best thing they can do is stay the course. “I’m on my tunnel vision / I beat their allegations / I’m moving on a mission / I don’t need supervision / Yeah, one in a million.” – Griffin
Portland Thorns: “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy
Thorns remain the only NWSL team with three NWSL championships (2013, 2017, 2022). They have been dominant this year again. Wilson is only getting better. Moultrie is having a year. This team has the chance to solidify Portland’s legacy with a historic fourth championship. “And you’re a cherry blossom / You’re about to bloom / You look so pretty, but you’re gone so soon. / Some legends are told / Some turn to dust or to gold / But you will remember me. Remember me for centuries.” – Anzidei
Washington Spirit: “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
This Spirit team is all about believing. They believed in Jose the Coyote and the wins started coming. Of course, it’s not all about luck. This team has some of the best football players in the world, a strong vision in the front office and is backed by billionaire Michele Kang. But their faith might just be what helps them win their second NWSL championship. – Anzidei
Gotham FC: “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco
Gotham won its first NWSL championship in 2023, and then last year went from the final playoff position to champions once more. The result of a long-term vision that finally came to fruition, even if no one believed it could happen. Even now, when the team hits a snag, the lyrics make sense. “Had to have high, high hopes for a living / Didn’t know how, but I always had a feeling I was gonna’ be that one in a million.” – Anzidei
Temwa Chawinga is Kansas City’s highest goalscorer despite missing the start of the season. (Jay Biggerstaff / Getty Images)
Kansas City Current: “The Universal” by Blur
Last year’s Shield winners came agonizingly close to completing the double, but were upset in the first round of the playoffs. I heard this song while watching Lincoln City’s promotion-clinching match a few weeks ago, with thousands of supporters singing this classic ’90s Britpop anthem from the stands. Beyond the meaning, it feels especially fitting given that the Current’s ground recently hosted filming for the fourth season of “Ted Lasso.” – Pelit
North Carolina: “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan
A team that has emerged from the shadows and suddenly cannot be ignored, North Carolina’s rebirth feels a lot like the way Roan burst onto the scene. This song is both powerful in message and fun, and has a whole lot of Courage. – Pelit
Orlando Pride: “Tive Sim” by Cartola
Samba for Orlando? Groundbreaking. This masterpiece by the legendary singer Cartola touches on a comeback, moving on to a new love while respectfully acknowledging the past, which is what Orlando desperately needs. They have to stop trying to repeat what they had done and start enjoying the second half of 2026. – Pelit
Denver Summit: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
This song is fitting on multiple levels for what this team has accomplished so far in their inaugural season. It’s a not-so-subtle way of referencing every goal this team has had this year: their first point, first win and eventually will ring true for their first playoff push and then their first NWSL Championship. “Although we are miles apart / If you ever need a helpin’ hand / I’ll be there on the double just as fast as I can.” A reference to Lindsey Heaps, anyone? – Anzidei
Seattle Reign: “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters
Seattle desperately needs to start getting results and showing us what they are capable of. They fell short against the Spirit this weekend, but coach Laura Harvey has a month to reorganize and teach her squad to fly in the second half. – Pelit
Seattle Reign currently sit 10th in the NWSL table. (Hannah Foslien / Getty Images)
Houston Dash: “Treasure in the Hills” by Leon Thomas
Will we see the Dash spend the funds they acquired from the trades of Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan at the start of the season? The Dash’s rookies and other less experienced players have overperformed at times, but to ensure the longevity and build a sturdy foundation, they need to do as Leon Thomas suggests in “Treasure in the Hills,” but you know, with its roster construction instead of a lover: “I’m trying to find me a soul.” – Griffin
Angel City: “girl, get up.” by Doechii (ft. SZA)
If there’s an NWSL club that would most embrace the suggestion of sipping some kombucha on a rooftop, it’s Angel City. Much less levitatin’ or meditatin’, as Doechii and SZA sing on “girl, get up.” Which is what Angel City need to focus on during the summer break: getting back to where they were when they started the season. What they’ve lost feels more like growing pains on a new and younger team than anything else; self-reflection can go a long way. – Griffin
Bay FC: “Happier Times Ahead” by RAYE
It’s tough to go so many games without a win — five, in Bay FC’s case. The results aren’t there, but the team’s improvements from last season are noticeable and can be built upon. First they need to restore their confidence, then the feeling. Both of those tasks require militant optimism, which RAYE captures beautifully in “Happier Times Ahead.” – Griffin
Boston Legacy: “Why Don’t You” by Cleo Sol
Self-reflection and acceptance. Boston needs to embrace the turbulence of its first season and the learning opportunities it bears. – Griffin
Boston entered the NWSL break having lost their last two games by one goal. (Bill Barrett / Getty Images)
Chicago Stars: “Why Not?” by Hilary Duff
There is something about the way Chicago has been playing these last few matches that has me thinking they are primed for a late-season turnaround – and, honestly, why not? Swanson is back. The team has Alyssa Naeher to rally behind. The team recently fired its GM, a sign that meaningful change or investment for this club could be on the horizon. They are the team with the most to gain this offseason, so “Why Not” throw all you got into this summer transfer window? – Anzidei
Racing Louisville: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Racing’s position at the bottom of the table is one of the 2026 season’s biggest heartbreaks. The talent is there, and last year they showed they are capable of making it to the playoffs. If U.S. forward Emma Sears can rediscover the form that made her one of the league’s rising stars last year, bottom-of-the-table Racing still has every chance to climb back to the playoff race. – Pelit