Earlier this month, ESPN released their top 25 National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) players so far this season. The ranking evaluates players based solely on their performance throughout their first six to eight matches played. The Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave led the way with four players selected and the Portland Thorns had three players chosen.
Washington Spirit
Four players from the Washington Spirit were selected to ESPN’s top 25. They currently sit at no. 4 in the NWSL standings after dropping to the top-seeded San Diego Wave. The Spirit had three players in the top half of ESPN’s rankings. This included forwards Rosemonde Kouassi (ranked no. 3) and Trinity Rodman (ranked no. 12) and midfielder Leicy Santos (ranked no. 8).
While Kousassi has not scored yet this season, she has three assists and has been a key component to Washington’s offense. Rodman has been on fire as of late, securing three goals and three assists over a span of three games. Santos is the primary decision maker in the midfield for the Spirit and even scored two goals against Kansas City in April.
Photo Credit: (Fernando Leon/ISI Photos/Getty Images)Defender Esme Morgan (ranked no. 20) was the lowest ranked Spirit player on this list, but has still made a significant impact. Morgan steadies the Washington defense and ranks high in defense interventions among other players in her position.
San Diego Wave
The San Diego Wave also had four players named to ESPN’s top 25, including two of the top four players. After beating the Spirit on May 15, the Wave have sole possession of the top spot in the NWSL standings.
Forward Dudinha (ranked no. 2) and midfielder Kenza Dali (ranked no. 4) were the Wave’s highest ranked players. Dudinha’s ability to put defenders in compromising positions has helped her score three goals and land four assists this season. Dali’s precision in the passing game has earned her a high spot on this list. Defender Kennedy Wesley (ranked no. 11) has made a name for herself so far this season as a two-way player. She also leads the league in completed passes and touches. San Diego’s final player on this list is midfielder Lia Godfrey (ranked no. 18). Godfrey is a young star who is currently the Wave’s goal leader.
Portland Thorns
The Portland Thorns are currently tied for the No. 2 spot in the NWSL standings. However, Portland is home to ESPN’s no. 1 ranked player, midfielder Olivia Moultrie. Fellow midfielder Jessie Fleming (ranked no. 13) and forward Pietra Tordin (ranked no. 10) also made the list for the Thorns.
Moultrie’s 2026 campaign has earned her a spot in the NWSL MVP conversation. She is tied with Dudhina for most assists so far this season. Fleming has stepped up in the midfield and sits at fifth in the NWSL for defensive interventions. Tordin has carried the load this season as teammate Sophia Wilson returns to form. She’s secured three assists and three goals in 2026.
Featured image via San Diego Wave FC.
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