The month off for the NWSL was exceptionally busy with player movement, major signings and top international performances
After an extended international break, the National Women's Soccer League returns on Friday for the second half of the season. While the NWSL has been on pause, women's soccer certainly hasn't.
The European Championship wrapped up last weekend, with England winning in heroic fashion for back-to-back titles, while Nigeria took the crown at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
The month off for the NWSL was exceptionally busy with player movement, major signings and top international performances
INDIVISA present everything you need to know for the second half of the NWSL season.
Getty ImagesPlayers to watch
Esther Gonzalez, NJ/NY Gotham FC: She is leading the NWSL Golden Boot race with 10 goals in 13 games. It's no secret that she can score, but how she does it is it's own work of art. Gonzalez was on full display at the Euros, competing for Spain and making it through to the final. She's back for the second half of the season and will need to keep her scoring track alive as Gotham currently sit in eighth place, just above the playoff line cutoff.
Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current: Last season, Chawinga broke just about every scoring record possible, and this season, she's also on track to shake up the league. Chawinga has eight goals this season for the Current, and has helped her team maintain a top spot in the standings with 33 points and an 11-2-0 record.
Barbra Banda, Orlando Pride: She is tied for second in the Golden Boot race with eight goals. Last season, there was rarely a game in which Banda didn't score. This season, although with a few less goals, she has emerged into a playmaking and finishing role.
Delphine Cascarino, San Diego Wave: French forward Cascarino is a magician up the field and is the pulse of the Wave's electric offense. She's leading the league in five assists and also has scored three goals.
Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave: Dali is another player to watch for the Wave. She has been lights out, helping the team rise up to third place and maintain a winning record (7-3-3) entering into the second part of the season. Last year, the Wave finished in 10th overall, so it's been a massive turnaround, with many of those changes coming hrough Dali's play as a tactician in the midfield.
Michelle Cooper, Kansas City Current: It's Cooper's year, from representing the U.S. women's national team on a consistent basis for the first time in her career, to being a key piece to the Current's success. She's been remarkable, and has four goals for the Current.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe Playoff race
The sprint for a post-season spot is the focus for the 14 NWSL teams. The Current sit miles ahead the rest with 33 points and an 11-2-0 record. The Pride, who won the 2024 NWSL Championship and Shield, are in second place with 24 points. And just behind them are the Wave with 23 points.
There are a few teams on the outside-looking-in at the playoffs, and it would take a full 180 shift to see Utah Royals, Chicago Stars and the Houston Dash make a post-season run.
Getty ImagesGames to watch
Saturday, Aug 9: San Diego Wave vs. Angel City – A Southern California clash.
Sunday, Aug. 10: Portland vs. Seattle – A Cascadia rivalry.
Saturday, Aug. 16: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride – No. 1 hosts No. 2.
Saturday, Sept. 13: North Carolina Courage vs. Angel City FC – Expect a lot of goals.
Friday, Sept. 19: Houston Dash vs. Chicago Stars – Where will these teams be?
Saturday, Oct. 18: Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride – No. 2 vs. No. 3.
Getty Images SportBiggest signings during summer transfer window
Mia Fishel: On July 10, she signed with Seattle Reign FC through the 2029 season. Fishel, who played two seasons with Chelsea, leading the Blues to two back-to-back WSL titles, will return to the NWSL after originally being drafted into the league in 2022 following her collegiate career at the USC.
Dudinha: On July 24, the Wave announced thatBrazilian forward Dudinha is leaving São Paulo FC to join the the team for an undisclosed transfer fee. Dudinha, only 20, made more than 65 appearances across all competitions for São Paulo FC, scoring 14 goals and helping lead the club to the 2025 Supercopa Feminina title.
Sofia Huerta: The Reign are returning from the first half fully loaded with fresh talent, including the exciting return of Huerta, who was on loan for the first part of the 2025 season with French side Lyon.
Evelyn Shores: On July 10, Angel City FC signed the USWNT Under-23 player through 2028. Shores, who's only 20, recently finished her collegiate career at North Carolina, where she won the 2024 NCAA Championship.
Sofia Cantore: On June 17, the Washington Spirit signed Italian forward Sofia Cantore to a three-year contract, with a team option for 2028. Cantore, 25, was recently part of Italy's roster for the 2025 Women's Euros. Cantore is the NWSL's first Italian player.