NWSL Team of the Week: Yazmeen Ryan’s Heroics, Utah Royals’ Double Recognition

Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)

Lorena played a pivotal role in the Kansas City Current`s NWSL Shield victory, simultaneously shattering the record for consecutive shutout minutes. In her debut NWSL season, the Brazilian international achieved an impressive 632 shutout minutes and recorded her 12th clean sheet of the year.

Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins praised Lorena`s exceptional form: “She has 12 shutouts in 14 matches for her club, just one shy of the NWSL`s all-time single-season record. Given Kansas City`s momentum, I believe she`ll achieve it. Her arrival in the league has been nothing short of incredible.”

Defender: Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)

The Utah Royals` defense has proven to be a formidable force late in the regular season, and now their players are contributing offensively. Janni Thomsen earns her inaugural Team of the Week selection thanks to a spectacular long-range strike.

Defender: Maycee Bell (North Carolina Courage)

The North Carolina Courage are steadily advancing towards the postseason, largely due to Maycee Bell`s defensive prowess. In Week 21, the second-year player made a crucial impact with a pivotal goal-line clearance.

Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns)

Recently securing a contract extension through 2030, fullback Reyna Reyes showcased her versatile skillset, excelling both defensively and in possession. Her late-game heroics on a set piece led to a crucial equalizer for the Thorns.

Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)

Having transitioned from a forward to a defender, Janine Sonis has become an influential figure on Racing Louisville FC`s backline. Her prior goalscoring experience was evident in Week 21.

Jenkins noted the difficulty of her position change: “As a forward, players are often converted into makeshift outside or wing-backs. It`s a challenging adjustment, but I believe she has handled it with remarkable grace. She looks incredibly strong and still possesses the confidence to push forward, attack, and create scoring opportunities.”

Midfielder: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)

With the season drawing to a close, playoff-contending teams demand heightened performances from their entire roster. Midfielder Manaka Matsukubo has recently been a standout in Courage highlights, consistently contributing through both goalscoring and playmaking.

Attacking Third analyst Lori Lindsey lauded Matsukubo`s impact: “Even though she didn`t score the goal… she was phenomenal. She initiated the counterattack that Shinomi Koyama ultimately finished. With key players like Jaedyn Shaw, Ashley Sanchez, and Denise O`Sullivan absent for North Carolina, Manaka is precisely the type of player stepping up in these crucial moments.”

Midfielder: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)

Earning two distinct honors on the Team of the Week signifies an exceptionally rare performance. Weeks after Alyssa Naeher achieved this feat, Mina Tanaka now joins her. Tanaka provided the decisive final pass for teammate Janni Thomsen`s goal, and her comprehensive contributions across the field were instrumental in Utah`s Week 21 triumph.

Midfielder: Evelyn Shores (Angel City)

Having joined Angel City midway through the season, the former University of North Carolina midfielder, Evelyn Shores, officially netted her first NWSL goal in Week 22.

Lindsey commented on Shores` achievement on Attacking Third: “I want to recognize Evelyn Shores. She`s played both left-back and midfield and has now scored her first career goal. She joined Angel City quite spontaneously in July, deciding against returning to college. We all remember our first goals, and securing a tie against Washington with it is a massive accomplishment.”

Forward: Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash remain firmly in the playoff race, and despite the shrinking window to climb the standings, the team has undeniably found strong form late in the season. Forward Yazmeen Ryan secured the game-winning goal with a fantastic interception followed by a precise finish.

Forward: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)

Making a second appearance on our Team of the Week, Tanaka`s Week 21 goal was a masterclass in skill. It featured a flawless first touch, breathtaking technique, and pinpoint accuracy.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

The Golden Boot race is intensely contested, fueled by Temwa Chawinga`s relentless goalscoring. Her 13th goal of the season draws her level with Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez, with Chawinga holding the tie-breaker advantage due to her two assists. Remarkably, she scored this goal on her birthday, mirroring a feat from last season, and notably, it was her first-ever header goal in the NWSL.

Coach: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)

The question of this season`s top team is settled: it`s unequivocally the Kansas City Current. While the 2025 NWSL Championship winner remains to be seen with the postseason still weeks away, the Current have already claimed the league title. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski adds another trophy to his tenure with the club, following their victory in the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup last season, his first year back coaching in the NWSL. A trophy per season is an impressive record, and there might be even more accolades awaiting Andonovski and his squad.

Honorary Captains: Kansas City Current Supporters

Kansas City once hosted a Division One women`s football team, a presence that eventually ceased. However, despite past challenges, including poor leadership and neglect from previous FC Kansas City ownership, the passion for women`s soccer in the heartland never diminished. The Kansas City Current`s consistent improvement since 2021 offers numerous examples of organizational growth, but the unwavering support from their official fan group, KC Blue Crew, has been a constant. This NWSL Shield victory is rightfully shared with them.