NWSL’s Electrifying Comeback: Rodman’s Triumph and Week 14’s Unforgettable Stars

After a month-long international interlude that saw NWSL stars shining on global stages from the UEFA Women`s Euro to the Copa America Femenina, the National Women`s Soccer League erupted back into action with Week 14. The return was nothing short of spectacular, delivering on the promise of high-stakes competition, breathtaking goals, and the kind of dramatic narratives only live sports can conjure. As teams dive headfirst into the second half of the 2025 season, the race for the NWSL Shield has intensified, and individual brilliance is increasingly crucial.

In a league brimming with talent, selecting an NWSL “Team of the Week” is akin to choosing a single favorite star from a clear night sky—a formidable task, given the sheer depth of skill. Yet, certain performances in Week 14 simply demanded recognition, weaving a compelling story of resilience, tactical prowess, and undeniable flair. From goalkeeping heroics to game-winning strikes, this week`s standout players reminded everyone why the NWSL continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Defensive Line: Fortresses of Resolve

While goals often grab the headlines, the bedrock of any successful team lies in its defense. Week 14 saw several defensive masterclasses, proving that preventing goals can be just as thrilling as scoring them.

Goalkeeper: Mia Justus (Utah Royals)

The Utah Royals’ rookie goalkeeper, Mia Justus, made her regular season debut a statement. Facing the reigning champions and Shield holders, she demonstrated remarkable composure, making five crucial saves on ten shots. Despite a late concession, her performance salvaged a vital point for the Royals in Orlando, showcasing a maturity beyond her years and proving why she earned a U.S. Women’s National Team call-up earlier this year.

Defenders: Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC), Kristen McNabb (San Diego Wave FC), Tyler Lussi (North Carolina Courage)

• Esme Morgan returned to the Washington Spirit fresh from winning the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro with England. Her seamless integration into the Spirit`s dynamic three-back setup was exemplary. As Jen Beattie aptly noted, Morgan played with the serene confidence of a champion, demonstrating calm on the ball and a steady presence in challenging moments.
• Phoebe McClernon was the anchor for Seattle Reign FC, one of only three teams to secure a clean sheet. Her vocal leadership and confident organizing of the backline stifled wave after wave of opposition attacks, leading her team in clearances and recoveries. A true defensive lynchpin.
• For San Diego Wave FC, veteran Kristen McNabb continued her quiet but essential work. Partnering effectively with rookie Trinity Armstrong, McNabb provided a stable presence, adeptly stepping in and out of defensive roles to ensure the backline remained resolute, particularly in gritty, scoreless draws.
• Tyler Lussi of North Carolina Courage showcased her versatility. Though typically playing a deeper role, her performance at fullback highlighted her capacity to blaze forward in attack before making swift recoveries. This tactical adjustment could be a significant factor in the Courage`s second-half push.

Midfield Maestros: Orchestrating the Attack

The midfield is the engine room of any team, and Week 14`s standout midfielders were the architects of their teams` success, combining defensive grit with creative brilliance.

Midfielders: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals), Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC)

• Japan international Mina Tanaka wasted no time announcing her return, scoring a stunning goal from roughly 30 yards out in the opening five minutes against the Orlando Pride. Her audacious strike served as an early warning shot for teams hoping to play spoiler this season.
• Washington Spirit`s Croix Bethune, a former Rookie and Midfielder of the Year, looks poised for a breakout second half. Her return to play before the international break culminated in a crucial, nifty flick-on assist for Trinity Rodman’s game-winning goal, demonstrating her innate ability to influence critical moments.
• Welsh international Jess Fishlock brought her historic Euro summer vibes directly to the Seattle Reign. Her spark and invaluable experience were evident as she scored a crucial equalizer and forced an own goal, embodying the relentless drive needed to secure vital wins.

Attacking Firepower: The Goal-Getters

Ultimately, football is about scoring goals, and this week`s forwards delivered with clinical precision and thrilling drama.

Forwards: Penelope Hocking (Bay FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)

• Bay FC`s Penelope Hocking is quietly building an MVP-caliber season. As her team`s leading scorer with five goals, her recent top-tier finish against Houston Dash further cemented her status as a consistent threat in front of goal.
• For Kansas City Current, Temwa Chawinga has become synonymous with goals. Her ninth goal of the season puts her firmly in contention for the Golden Boot, a testament to her relentless drive and automatic scoring ability.
• But perhaps no return was more poignant, or dramatically effective, than that of Washington Spirit`s own Trinity Rodman. After a nearly four-month absence due to a back injury, Rodman entered the game with just 14 minutes remaining and promptly scored the game-winning goal. Her immediate impact, coupled with the emotional celebration from both Rodman and her teammates, underscored the arduous, solitary work she underwent during her rehabilitation. As Rodman herself put it, “It feels great to be back.” A triumphant return indeed.

Leadership and Spirit: Guiding the Way

Behind every successful team are astute leaders on and off the field, capable of uniting diverse talents into a cohesive, winning unit.

Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)

Adrian Gonzalez`s third tenure leading the Washington Spirit has started with a bang. With international stars like Rodman returning to the fold, Gonzalez has seamlessly reintegrated his roster, ensuring everyone is clicking as the second half of the season kicks off. His steady hand is clearly guiding the Spirit to new heights.

Honorary Captain: Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC)

Zambia international Racheal Kundananji embodies the joy and relentless effort in soccer. While goals haven`t always come easily (only one on 38 shots), her third assist of the season for Bay FC, coupled with her unwavering work rate and infectious enthusiasm, makes her a truly inspiring figure. As Jen Beattie observed, watching Kundananji hit the post twice, then smile and do a forward roll, perfectly encapsulates someone who truly enjoys their football and leads by example—a captain of spirit, if not always of the scoreboard.

The Season Ahead: A Promise of More

Week 14 was more than just a collection of impressive individual performances; it was a reaffirmation of the NWSL`s vibrant, competitive spirit. With the league`s biggest stars back in action and new talents emerging, the remainder of the 2025 season promises even more drama, dazzling goals, and tightly contested battles for playoff spots and the coveted NWSL Shield. The stage is set for an unforgettable second act.