It might be the regular season in the NWSL, but that just means the fun is just getting started with the 2026 NWSL playoffs around the corner.
The Day crowned the new NWSL Shield winner with Gotham FC and clinched the eighth and final playoff spot with Seattle Reignand among the eight games we saw all kicked off together and most of the spectacles. That’s the perfect time to give Third Team of the Week honors.
After the weekly matches during the 2026 NWSL season, the Adortus Third analysts select the players, the head coach, and the honorary captain during the weekend shows. Here you can find a mix of stats and data, analysis from our points, and highlights that you may have missed over the weekend. If you keep track of those who have earned past honors; Welcome to our previous team from one of the sabbaticals.
It is a long year, and it is not enough. With the games starting on Friday, this means that our team of the week will have honors in the players to feel and only feature players to compete in the era. Stay tuned for more coverage of NWSL games.
Here is who made the latest edition:
Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage)
On Decision Day, you can only control what’s in front of you, and while North Carolina was missing from the 2026 NWSL games, the goalkeeper Kailyn Sheridan he did what he could to keep the team in the mix until the last minute. He made four saves on 12 shots and earned a spot in the league record books as the third goalkeeper to make 700 saves. John Campbell and Alyssa Naher.
Defender: Guro Riding (Gotham FC)
There wouldn’t be a newly acquired player who would fit in better with Gotham FC than . square Guro Reiten at this time. He joined the club in mid-April and is now the NWSL Shield winner after scoring the opening goal on Decision Day.
Defender: Madison Curry (Seattle Reign)
Set structure and defense are staples of the Seattle Reign’s identity, and beyond Madison Curry He gave a warning to all who were watching him. Led the backline in tackles (three), clearances (three), and tackles (12) in the cage-winning game against Orlando Proud. The team is locked in the eighth and final playoff spot, and if they want to shake things up this season, their solid defense will be a huge reason why.
Defender: Mimi Van Zanten (San Diego Wave FC)
If you’ve been paying attention this season, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise that rookie Mimi Van Zanten is back on the team of the week. He scored his second goal of the season and led the team in tackles (four), interceptions (five), and tackles (eight).
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
The Kansas City Current at the perfect time, either from general injuries or from general form, and that which includes the defender, he resupposes all his number Kayla Sharples scoring on set pieces. His sharp header helped secure a playoff home in Kansas City.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
There teammates to raise things and there’ do Dali they lull their opponents into a false sense of security before breaking through their line with a single leap. He returned to the team a week later after hooking up with Mimi Van Zanten.
Midfielder: Nealy Martin (Angel City FC)
There is no better time to score the first goal than on the last day, as your team prepares for the season. The midfielder completed the lob after the pass all Sentnor.
Midfielder: Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Like Washington Spirit The midfield is going through a number of adjustments this season from injuries, player departures and returning players. Andi Sullivan. Coming back from maternity leave, she worked on it and will be a big part of the group moving forward in the playoffs. Teams led in clearances (four), and duels (10), all while creating enough chaos in a set coin to force their own goal.
Next: Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC)
If * Jaedyn Shaw still managing injury and being more of an impact player off the bench, then enough of an x-factor for Gotham going forward.
Next: Sophia Wilson (Potland Thorns)
Sophia Wilson is back after a two-game suspension, and that’s going to strike fear into some, going into the upcoming playoffs. Two goals against Houston Dash as if the work seemed easy after a long time away from the NWSL pitch.
Next: Midge Purce (Gotham FC)
Let it be the season of the earth Midge Purce’s time to shine. The 2023 NWSL Championship MVP looks poised for another impressive playoff run after two assists, and is now a NWSL championship winner.
Coach: Juan Carlos Amoros (Gotham FC)
Two NWSL Championships, the 2026 Challenge Cup, now the NWSL Shield. Whether making tactical adjustments, handling player turnovers, or simply communicating principles effectively, manager Juan Carlos Amoros is our undoubted coach of the week after another title was lifted.
Honorary Captain: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign)
Long-time NWSL and Seattle Realm veteran Jess Fishlock announced that he will be leaving following the 2026 NWSL season. She was celebrated in the final home game and lives to play another game in retirement after the Kingdom clinched the final playoff spot. He played the part when he clicked on the backheel Jordyn Bugg’s game-losing goal.