Every week matters in the 2026 NWSL regular season, even as the year heads into the final stretch. With just two matches remaining, players are still finding ways to leave their mark on games. That means it's time to give out Attacking Third Team of the Week honors.
After weekly matches across the 2026 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts will select players, a head coach, and an honorary captain based on weekend performances. With the longest season in NWSL history, a 30-match schedule per team, selecting 11 players each week is never easy. Here you can find a mix of stats and data, analysis from our pundits, and highlights you may have missed over the weekend.
If you're keeping track of who earned past honors, check out our previous team of the week. San Diego Wave is in standout form with the playoffs ahead, and part of that is because they've cemented their goalkeeper position. The club settled on a crucial position after rotating Luisa Agudelo, Leah Freeman, and Didi Haracic, bringing in Sandra Paños midseason from Club América.
She faced 23 crosses and 13 shots, and made three saves against North Carolina for another standout performance and three more points in the NWSL Shield race. When your team is hovering just under the playoff line, every game is a must-win. Outside back Sofia Huerta added to her all-time assist record (35) by setting up an insurance goal for Nerilia Mondesir.
Nerilia Mondesir doubles down for Seattle 💪The Reign pick up a huge goal in the race for the playoffs! pic.twitter.com/31CJr3POJt The Kansas City Current are surging at the right time, and that includes underrated backline efforts. This week, Gabrielle Robinson gets the honors for a reliable shift at centerback, where she led the team in clearances (five) and co-led in interceptions (two), helping the team earn a clean sheet against Utah Royals. Welcome back to the team of the week, Mimi Van Zanten.
The rookie outside back has racked up consistent starts all season, and her shift over the weekend against North Carolina was no exception. Whether it's getting more involved up the pitch in attack or tracking back in recovery, Van Zanten stands out. She led the team in tackles (six) and the backline in recoveries (seven).
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