NWSL midseason check in: Golden Boot and MVP frontrunner clear as day; Former USWNT coach making noise

Which teams and players are making statements as the second half of the regular season returns?

The 2025 NWSL regular season will roar back to life with a playoff push as the league resumes play this weekend after a mid-season break. The hiatus was brought on by a busy summer of international tournaments, with the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro, Women's Afcon, and Copa America Femenina. Several of the league's players participated in the global competitions and are back for NWSL action with extra accolades in tow. 

The month-long break saw NWSL Golden Boot leader Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC) win top scorer in the Euros with four goals in the competition as Spain ended up as runners-up to England, who boast Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride), and Jess Carter (Gotham FC). Nigerian internationals Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC) and Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash) are triumphant Afcon champions, as more players flock back to the league for the domestic club grind. 

All 14 clubs will get back into the regular season routine this weekend with matches beginning on Friday, and everyone is chasing Kansas City Current, the leaders in the NWSL Shield race. They'll be tough to catch, with a league-best 11 wins and a six-game win streak. Orlando Pride, last year's winners, are in striking distance, just eight points behind.