Forwards in any league are met with the great expectation of putting the ball in the back of the net. But in the NWSL, the challenge is even more complex with the elite level of competition. Many strikers have answered the call, and within the first few weeks of the 2025 season, there are numerous highlights of electric goals. Here we’ll take a look at ten top forwards who excel in scoring and much more.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Kicking off this list is the one and only Temwa Chawinga herself. She has been unstoppable with a streak of scoring in eight consecutive regular-season games. With three goals under her belt, fans should only expect more goals from Chawinga.
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Pride has picked up where they left off last season, and Banda has helped the squad stay at the top. Netting a brace in Pride’s dominant 6-0 victory against Chicago is nothing short of the prolific scoring ability Banda has demonstrated since last season. There’s no doubt Banda will continue to score, but how much is truly what fans should be eager to see.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit)
Definitely known for her eye for goal, Hatch has done a magnificent job securing goals to start the season. Being listed to the Best Xl for the month of March should come to no surprise since Hatch currently sits with Chawinga as the top of the goal scorers list.
Alyssa Thompson (Angel City)
Thompson recently scored a banger in ACFC’s match against Seattle Reign, which was awarded Goal of the Week. Her growth as a player has been on full display and fans should look forward to seeing where Thompson takes Angel City this season.
Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave)
Although forwards are always expected to lead in scoring, Cascarino has demonstrated great vision to set up the goals. With two assists so far, the footwork and skill Cascarino plays with will likely bring in more assists and potentially goals as we progress through the season.
Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign)
There is a new surname, new threads, but no new expectations for Lynn Biyendolo. Everyone is aware of her prolific goal-scoring ability, and she has her eyes set on making an impact in Seattle. Fans should keep their eyes on Seattle’s trajectory and just how Biyendolo asserts herself.
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
This list couldn’t be made without Rodman. With the taste of defeat from last season’s championship final likely still lingering, Rodman has no other goal in mind than taking Spirit back to the final. Therefore, Rodman will seek a new outcome, and with her feisty play style, fans should never count her out.
Emma Sears (Racing Louisville)
As of late, Sears has been turning heads with her strong finishing ability. She secured the victory for Racing Louisville against Chicago with a fantastic strike from distance. Being added to the USWNT SheBelieves roster speaks to the skill Sears brings to the pitch.
Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns)
With the absence of their star striker, Sophia Wilson, the Thorns will need to find ways to stay afloat. Turner brings great energy to the squad and can continue to be a valuable piece as the season progresses. There’s tons of youthful talent on the Thorns which Turner contributes to.
Marta (Orlando Pride)
Marta is known as one of, if not the greatest, players of the game. Still making a phenomenal impact on the field, finishing penalty kicks, and setting up her teammates perfectly to put the goal away, Marta’s remarkable game is one to truly appreciate this season.
Image via @orlpride on Instagram
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