NWSL Team of the Week: KC Current Standouts Shine as Sanchez Matches Goal Record

Here’s who made the latest edition:

Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign)

Seattle Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey demonstrated sharp awareness and timing, handling 20 crosses and eight shots to preserve another clean sheet.

Defender: Sarah Gorden (Angel City FC)

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden proved vital down the stretch, logging ten recoveries in the away match versus Washington Spirit and neutralizing Trinity Rodman’s threat.

Defender: Kristen McNabb (San Diego Wave FC)

San Diego Wave FC veteran centerback Kristen McNabb has been a steady presence amid injuries and goalkeeper rotation, her positioning allowing teammates to push higher or invert in attack.

Defender: Miyabi Moriya (Utah Royals FC)

Utah Royals FC defender Miyabi Moriya stepped in following two red-card absences, immediately impacting the defense and providing an assist on the opening goal.

Defender: Mimi Van Zanten (San Diego Wave FC)

San Diego Wave FC outside back Mimi Van Zanten, a leading rookie-of-the-year contender, led the backline with six clearances and added a shot on goal, belied by her veteran-like composure despite being in her first professional season.

Midfielder: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC)

Seattle Reign FC veteran Jess Fishlock delivered a complete performance, scoring two goals to help secure a significant win.

Midfielder: Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo returned from maternity leave to showcase veteran poise, contributing a notable backheel assist.

Midfielder: Maiara Niehues (Angel City FC)

Angel City FC midfielder Maiara Niehues scored her ninth goal of the season, setting a new club single-season record.

Forward: Sam Kerr (Gotham FC)

Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr is finding form at a crucial juncture, posing a significant threat as the team pursues the NWSL Shield and a playoff berth.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga remains a formidable presence, capable of dismantling defenses whether scoring or creating.

Forward: Haley Hopkins  (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City Current forward Haley Hopkins hat‑tricked in a high‑stakes match, underscoring her ability to deliver when playoff implications loom.

Coach: Leif Gunnar Smerud (Angel City FC)

Interim head coach Leif Gunnar Smerud has guided Angel City FC to a six‑game unbeaten run, securing victories against both playoff contenders and teams in pursuit.

Honorary captain: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)

North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez earned honorary captain recognition after tying the NWSL single‑season goal record with her 20th goal, joining Temwa Chawinga in that exclusive club.

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