The Kansas City Current delivered some concerning news this week, with the NWSL club revealing that star striker Temwa Chawinga remains sidelined with an hip adductor injury while the league's 2026 preseason gets underway.
The team currently lists the reigning back-to-back NWSL MVP under a season-ending injury (SEI) designation, a category earned after Chawinga picked up the injury in mid-October, leaving the Kansas City attacker benched for the Current's quarterfinal loss to eventual 2025 NWSL champions Gotham FC.
"It's hard because of the nature of the injury," incoming Kansas City head coach Chris Armas told The Athletic last week. "With Temwa, we've got to be very careful, but she's looking great and doing lots of good work on the return to play."
Also on the Current's SEI list is standout winger Michelle Cooper, with the 23-year-old rising USWNT star suffering a foot injury in Kansas City's final regular-season match of 2025.
"It was a little bit of a tough ending here after, honestly, an amazing historic season," said Armas. "Hopefully they are back as soon as possible, but it's still unclear."
Both Chawinga and Cooper will have some time to recover before Kansas City kicks off their 2026 NWSL regular season against the Utah Royals on March 14th — with teams allowed to lift a player's SEI status any time once the season begins.
The 2025 NWSL season more than delivered, raising stakes and fueling drama both on and off the field.
From Spirit star Trinity Rodman's goal-scoring injury return to Kansas City's history Shield victory, the year was defined by ups and downs, resilience and growth, and myriad milestones. Investment reached new heights, kicked off by Denver's 2026 expansion team bid and Naomi Girma's million-dollar transfer — a global first for women's soccer.
Off the pitch, the work continued. The year saw a $5 million settlement addressing past misconduct and the introduction of the league's first prospect combine. As for in-game action, the Challenge Cup, Euros, and playoff race additionally showcased the league's unrivaled parity.
This month-by-month review recaps all the unforgettable highlights that made the 2025 NWSL season yet another a defining chapter for the league.
January: Denver lands record bid for 2026 NWSL expansion team
In January, the NWSL approved Denver's bid to become the league's 16th franchise, set to begin play in 2026. The deal came with a then-record $110 million price tag, at the time highest-ever in US professional women's sports. Led by Rob Cohen and Mellody Hobson, the ownership group announced plans to build a dedicated stadium, highlighting the league's financial growth and commitment to expansion.
Runner up: San Diego's Naomi Girma signs with Chelsea in record $1.1 million transfer deal
Wave defender Naomi Girma kicked off the year by transferring to reigning WSL champions Chelsea FC in a historic deal. The transfer fee was a record-breaking $1.1 million, becoming the first in women's soccer history to cross the million-dollar mark. It became a new benchmark for player valuation, further solidifying the competitive tension between the NWSL and European clubs.
February: NWSL raises salary cap ahead of 2025 season kick-off
In February, the NWSL significantly raised team spending in accordance with the most recent league CBA. The salary cap shot up to $3.3 million for a 22-to-26 player roster, supplemented by a new revenue-sharing mechanism. This increase — featuring planned growth over five years — aimed to up player compensation and better compete with European clubs after the league's first full season of unrestricted free agency.
Runner up: NWSL reaches $5 million settlement over abuse investigation
Earlier, the NWSL reached a $5 million settlement to compensate players impacted by the league's historic cultural issues. The result of a joint multi-year investigation by state Attorneys General, the settlement signaled a renewed commitment to accountability, and paved the way for reforms enhancing player safety and welfare.
March: Washington Spirit win the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup in penalties
The Spirit claimed their second trophy in March, winning the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup over reigning NWSL champions Orlando. The final ended 1-1 in regulation after Washington equalized behind a free kick goal from Colombia star Leicy Santos — the second-ever direct free kick goal in NWSL final history. It then moved to penalty kicks. That's when Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made the difference, securing a penalty save before Tara McKeown converted a shot for the 4-2 win.
Runner up: Boston NWSL expansion team rebrands to Boston Legacy FC
Following public criticism of their initial rollout, Boston's NWSL expansion team — formerly BOSNation — officially rebranded to Boston Legacy FC in March. The new name drew on New England's rich history and women's soccer ties, while also incorporating fan feedback and community connection.
April: Trinity Rodman steps away from Washington Spirit to rehab injury
Washington's Trinity Rodman was ruled out indefinitely in April, stepping away from the team to focus on rehabbing a lingering back injury. Rodman had struggled with the issue since 2021, opting to prioritize recovery in hopes of returning before the season's end. Her absence was a blow to the Spirit, bringing up questions about her future with the team and long-term load management.
Runner up: NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman says league could rival NFL in size
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman made a bold statement in April, saying the league could one day rival the NFL's 32-team field. The prediction highlighted the NWSL's financial rise, exploding fanbase, and eye toward global dominance while underlining its goal to become a major US player. The league welcomed its 17th team in Atlanta in November, with their eyes reportedly on an 18-team setup by 2028.
May: Savy King's medical emergency stirs up player welfare concerns
In May, Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed mid-match in a regular season game against the Utah Royals. She required 10 minutes of on-field medical attention before being stretchered off, later undergoing surgery for a heart abnormality. The incident sparked criticism after officials decided the game would resume, leading the NWSLPA to demand protocol changes requiring suspension whenever life-saving measures are needed.
Runner up: Gotham wins inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup
Gotham won May's inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup, with the victory automatically punching their ticket to the upcoming FIFA Women's Champions Cup. The continental win brought a new international trophy to the NWSL, elevating the league's profile while subsequently setting the stage for Gotham's eventual 2025 NWSL championship.
June: Coach Jonatan Giraldez departs Washington Spirit for Lyonnes in midseason shakeup
Heads turned in June when Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez left the NWSL midseason to take over French side — and fellow Michele Kang-owned operation — OL Lyonnes. Giráldez, who joined the Spirit after success with FC Barcelona, was immediately succeeded by assistant coach and 2024 interim Adrián González. The move raised questions about Kang's multi-team ownership, and the billionaire's plans for her global company, Kynisca Sports International.
Runner up: San Diego Wave honors Alex Morgan with jersey retirement ceremony
The San Diego Wave honored club icon and USWNT legend Alex Morgan with a June jersey retirement ceremony. The event recognized Morgan's pivotal role in the 2022 expansion team's success, plus her lasting impact on US soccer. Her retirement marked the conclusion of a celebrated career, leaving a legacy of championships and advocacy for women's sports athletes.
July: NWSL stars light up 2025 Women's Euros
As the NWSL pressed pause, several league players headed to Switzerland for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Representing Spain, Gotham's Esther González finished as the tournament's top scorer, earning the Golden Boot award for her four goals and leading Spain to a second-place finish. Seattle's Jess Fishlock captained Wales through their major tournament debut. Fishlock eventually made history by scoring their first-ever Euros goal — while also becoming the oldest goalscorer in tournament history.
San Diego's Delphine Cascarino provided an attacking force for France, with two goals and two assists, including a Goal of the Tournament nominee against the Netherlands. Washington newcomer Sofia Cantore tallied three assists for Italy, playing a pivotal role in her team's underdog journey.
Germany and Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger played quarterfinal hero against France, with nine saves and two penalty blocks to help her team advance. Finally, Berger's partner and Gotham teammate Jess Carter linked up with Spirit standout Esme Morgan to fuel England all the way to back-to-back Euros titles.
August: Spirit striker Trinity Rodman scores game-winner in return from injury
In an emotional return to play, Washington superstar Trinity Rodman scored the game-winning goal against Portland in August. Subbing in late in the match, Rodman fired home the stoppage-time strike to lift the Spirit over the Thorns 2-1. The dramatic contribution cemented Rodman's comeback after four months spent away from the team nursing a lingering back injury.
Runner up: Bay FC sets NWSL attendance record at San Francisco's Oracle Park
Washington defeated Bay FC 3-2 at San Francisco's Oracle Park in August — but the real headline came from the record-breaking 40,091-strong crowd, setting a new single-game NWSL attendance benchmark. That number shattered the previous NWSL high of 35,038, set the previous year at Chicago's Wrigley Field. Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya called it "a historic moment," praising both the quality of play and the atmosphere. Spirit coach Adrián González echoed the sentiment, saying the setup and the fans made the match "something unique."
September: Kansas City Current win 2025 NWSL Shield in record fashion
Kansas City won the 2025 NWSL Shield on September 20th after a 2-0 victory over Seattle, clinching the title faster than any prior NWSL team. The victory solidified the Current's No. 1 playoff seed and home-field advantage, officially rendering them the winningest team in NWSL history. It additionally capped a dominant season that included a record nine-match shutout streak and 14 clean sheets behind Goalkeeper of the Year Lorena.
Runner up: NWSL announces first-ever prospect combine
Concurrently, the NWSL unveiled a major new initiative in September. The league replaced the CBA-abolished college draft with the league's first-ever prospect combine. The event is intended to create a more streamlined player evaluation pathway, while better preparing college athletes for the pros and enhancing talent acquisition across the NWSL.
October: Angel City stars Christen Press and Ali Riley announce pro soccer retirements
Angel City lost two titans in October, as captain Ali Riley and USWNT legend Christen Press announced they were hanging up their boots. First-ever ACFC captain Riley retired after overcoming a chronic nerve injury that sidelined her for much of 2024. Two-time World Champion Press also concluded her decorated run after struggling with knee injuries throughout her career.
Runner up: Houston ends Kansas City's 2025 NWSL unbeaten streak as Temwa Chawinga exits with injury
The Houston Dash ended the Kansas City Current's unbeaten streak in a hard-fought October 18th match. The victory, however, was overshadowed by star Kansas City forward — and 2025 NWSL Golden Boot winner — Temwa Chawinga's early exit. Chawinga's availability became an instant concern for the league-leaders as they headed into the final weeks of the regular season. The fears proved correct, as she had to sit out Kansas City's shocking quarterfinal loss in the playoffs.
November: Rose Lavelle fuels Gotham's 2025 NWSL Championship win
No. 8 Gotham lifted the 2025 NWSL trophy, pulling off a final upset over No. 2 Washington to win a second championship in three years — once again as the lowest seed. Gotham's defense held court, limiting Washington to zero shots on target and setting their attack up to seize opportunities. A second-half ankle knock saw Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt leave Washington down a player as she sought sideline treatment. Gotham's NWSL Final MVP Rose Lavelle subsequently broke the deadlock with the Spirit in disarray, launching an 80th-minute strike to secure the 1-0 victory — and her first league title.
Runner up: Racing Louisville clinches first-ever NWSL playoff appearance
On November 2nd's Decision Day, Racing Louisville clinched a franchise-first trip to the NWSL playoffs. As the No. 7 seed, Louisville set a new club record with 37 points and 10 wins on the season. While their run ended in a quarterfinal loss to Washington, the appearance marked a significant milestone after four consecutive 9th-place finishes. The team's achievement earned manager Bev Yanez 2025 Coach of the Year at the league's end-of-season awards.
Kansas City Current star Temwa Chawinga cleaned up at the inaugural NWSL Awards on Wednesday, with the standout striker receiving three different 2025 honors — including a second straight MVP trophy.
After the Malawi international fueled the Current's Shield-winning season, Chawinga followed up her 2025 NWSL MVP award with back-to-back Golden Boot titles and a spot on this year's Best XI lineup.
"I should thank my teammates, without my teammates I know I cannot achieve these things," she told the crowd. "A lot of great players, so I'm so grateful that [media] chose me, and the players, and the coaches."
Following the most successful season in both club and league history, Kansas City landed an impressive five players on the 2025 Best XI First Team, including Goalkeeper of the Year Lorena.
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale claimed Rookie of the Year, the Washington Spirit's Tara McKeown took home Defender of the Year, the North Carolina Courage's Manaka Matsukubo won Midfielder of the Year, and Bev Yanez earned Coach of the Year for leading Racing Louisville to the 2021 expansion club's best-ever finish and first postseason appearance.
"I'm a firm believer that I'm only as good as the people around me," Yanez said after becoming the first person to ever make the NWSL Playoffs as both a manager and a player. "I've been supported not only from a staff perspective, but a player perspective and a club perspective."
With the awards ceremony in the rearview mirror, the league now turns to the final test of the year — Saturday's star-studded 2025 NWSL Championship.
How to watch the 2025 NWSL Championship
No. 8 Gotham FC will battle the No. 2 Washington Spirit in San Jose for this year's NWSL title on Saturday.
The 2025 NWSL season's grand finale will kick off at 8 PM ET, airing live on CBS.
The NWSL dropped its end-of-year award shortlists on Monday, as the league gives standout players and coaches props for a quality 2025 regular season.
Back-to-back Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga is up for her second straight NWSL MVP award, with the Current star joined by San Diego Wave forward Delphine Cascarino, Gotham striker Esther González, North Carolina Courage attacker Manaka Matsukubo, and fellow Kansas City forward Bia Zaneratto as international front line stars swept the 2025 MVP shortlist.
Matsukubo is also up for 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year alongside Kenza Dali (San Diego), Debinha (Kansas City), Claire Hutton (Kansas City), and Olivia Moultrie (Portland).
Following a record-breaking 2025 NWSL Shield win, the Current received a league-leading eight nominations, with the aforementioned Chawinga, Zaneratto, Debinha, and Hutton joined by Goalkeeper of the Year nominee Lorena, Coach of the Year candidate Vlatko Andonovski, and Defender of the Year shortlisters Kayla Sharples and Izzy Rodriguez.
Notably, the defending champion Orlando Pride is the only club in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs to field zero end-of-season nods, while only Matsukubo, Rookie of the Year nominee Riley Tiernan (Angel City), and Defender of the Year candidate Avery Patterson (Houston Dash) represent teams finishing below the postseason cutoff line.
How to vote for the 2025 NWSL Awards
A weighted scale of players (40%), coaches and leadership (25%), media (25%), and fans (10%) will determine the 2025 NWSL award winners as well as the league's Best XI First and Second Teams, all of which will be revealed in a live ESPN2 broadcast at 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday, November 19th.
Fan voting for the 2025 NWSL Awards is open until 8 PM ET on Wednesday, November 12th.
The 2025 NWSL Award Shortlists
- Most Valuable Player: Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Esther González (Gotham FC), Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage), Bia Zaneratto (Kansas City Current)
- Midfielder of the Year: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)
- Defender of the Year: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Lorena (Kansas City Current)
- Rookie of the Year: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Riley Tiernan (Angel City)
- Coach of the Year: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current), Adrián González (Washington Spirit), Beverly Yanez (Racing Louisville)
No. 8-seed Gotham FC pulled off an historic upset on Sunday, downing the No. 1 Kansas City Current 2-1 in extra time to oust the winningest team in league history from the 2025 NWSL Playoffs.
Million-dollar midseason signing Jaedyn Shaw put the Bats on the board in the 68th minute, before Kansas City secured a second-half stoppage-time equalizer via defender Ellie Wheeler.
The match initially appeared destined for a penalty kick shootout, until late Gotham substitute Katie Stengel found the back of the net in the 121st minute — the latest game-winning goal in NWSL history.
"Underdog, my ass — we are not an underdog," Shaw exclaimed postmatch. "We came into this game knowing people thought that we were just the last seed that barely made it into the playoffs. That's not who we are."
The bid for the double never took flight for the 2025 Shield-winning Current, with key starting forwards 2024 MVP Temwa Chawinga and USWNT prospect Michelle Cooper ruled out with injury ahead of Sunday's quarterfinal clash.
In their stead, Kansas City forward Bia Zaneratto started the match despite dealing with an MCL sprain, gutting out 114 minutes before Bayley Fiest came in as relief.
"As much as we're disappointed in the final result today, we're not going to allow this result to define our season," said KC manager Vlatko Andonovski. "I think that our players, even today, can walk with their heads up."
How to watch Gotham in the 2025 NWSL semifinals
No. 8 Gotham now faces the defending champion No. 4 Orlando Pride in the 2025 NWSL semifinals — a club with whom the Bats split 2-0 regular-season results.
The match will kick of at 3 PM ET on Sunday, with live coverage airing on ABC.
The 2025 NWSL Playoffs have finally arrived, with the league's Top 8 teams duking it out in quarterfinals all weekend — each hunting a ticket to November 22nd's championship match in San Jose, California.
Gearing up for the toughest quarterfinal battle is arguably No. 8 Gotham FC, with the NJ/NY club traveling to take on the No. 1 Kansas City Current on Sunday in an attempt to claim an historic upset to extend their season.
"I don't think there's an underdog mindset at all," a confident Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw told JWS this week. "We know that we can come into this game, bring our style of play, and win this game."
Winning the 2025 NWSL Shield in record fashion, the Current haven't suffered a home loss all year — though that could change if an adductor strain continues to sideline Kansas City's back-to-back Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga.
The team has yet to provide an update on Chawinga, though the striker did sit out last Sunday's 2-1 win over the No. 6 San Diego Wave.
"Obviously Temwa's an amazing player, but our bench is is incredible," Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball said ahead of the team's 2025 NWSL regular-season finale. "Our whole squad is always ready for whatever's thrown at us."
The Current hold a 2-0 winning record over the Bats this season, with Gotham managing just one regular-season win in their last five matches.
"We're not performing terrible — we're actually playing well," Shaw said. "We have moments in the games where we're doing really well. It's just the last touch to score goal, or the last block, or being in the right positioning to prevent a goal."
How to watch Kansas City vs. Gotham in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs
The No. 1 Kansas City Current will host No. 8 Gotham FC for their 2025 NWSL quarterfinals clash at 12:30 PM ET on Sunday, airing live on ABC.
Despite missing the 2025 regular-season finale due to an adductor injury, No. 1 Kansas City Current star forward Temwa Chawinga picked up her second straight NWSL Golden Boot on Sunday.
Chawinga tallied 15 goals and three assists in the 2025 NWSL campaign, beating out Gotham forward Esther (13), North Carolina forward Manaka Matsukubo (11), Louisville forward Emma Sears (10), and Chicago forward Ludmilla (10) for this season's Golden Boot.
The 27-year-old, who set the league's single-season scoring record with 20 goals in 2024, is now just the second-ever NWSL player to earn back-to-back Golden Boots, joining former Chicago star Sam Kerr.
With the Malawi international still recovering from an injury incurred during the Current's October 18th match against the Houston Dash, her recovery remains front of mind as Kansas City gears up for the 2025 NWSL Playoffs.
In order to to stay in market and continue her rehab, Chawinga also pulled out of last week's WAFCON qualifiers in hopes of returning to the NWSL pitch to help the reigning Shield-winners secure a championship.
Kansas City manager Vlatko Andonovski said this week that "there's a chance" Chawinga could be available for the team's early postseason games, but that she was still "day-to-day."
"Deb is good. Kayla's good. Gabby. They're all good," Andonovski told reporters, running through his roster. "Temwa is still not good and we're not going to take any risks at this point. We'll see how she progresses."
After a historic season, Kansas City has to like their playoff chances — but a healthy Chawinga could be the club's key to lifting a first-ever NWSL championship trophy.
Malawi made women's soccer history on Tuesday, qualifying for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time in program history — and giving sister duo Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga the chance to shine on the global stage in 2026.
The Scorchers advanced through the second qualifying round with a 2-0 second-leg win over Angola on Tuesday, with defensive midfielder Faith Chinzimu's late brace securing the aggregate advantage to win the round.
Malawi now joins Cape Verde as the two debutantes to clinch spots in the expanded 16-team 2026 tournament.
Even more, the Scorchers' breakthrough will give two of soccer's biggest club stars their biggest platform yet, as sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga gear up for the first major international tournament of their decorated careers.
While 29-year-old OL Lyonnes forward Tabitha participated in this week's WAFCON qualifying round, 27-year-old Kansas City Current striker Temwa sat out after the 2024 NWSL MVP suffered an adductor strain in her club's 1-0 upset loss to the Houston Dash on October 18th.
"It means more opportunities and great exposure to both older and upcoming players. It is a continental platform to bring football dreams alive," Tabitha told BBC Sport Africa this week.
The 2026 WAFCON tournament will see the Chawinga sisters and Malawi contend with powerhouses like host nation Morocco and reigning 10-time champion Nigeria when the continental competition kicks off on March 17th.
The 2025 CAF African Women's Player of the Year nominations dropped last week, with a trio of NWSL stars — including 2024 award winner Barbra Banda of Zambia — topping this year's shortlist.
Calling the nomination "an honour and a privilege," Banda posted about the nod on social media, saying that "To be in the same category with all these amazing talents is truly a humbling feeling."
Joining the Orlando Pride striker in excelling for both club and country in 2025 are two other NWSL standout goalscorers: Kansas City Current star and 2024 NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) and Bay FC's Rachael Kundananji (Zambia).
Rounding out the 10-player lineup is Chawinga's older sister Tabitha (OL Lyonnes/Malawi), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto/Nigeria), Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG/Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal/Morocco), Sanaâ Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco), Portia Boakye (Hapoel Petah Tikva/Ghana), and Mama Diop (RC Strasbourg/Senegal).
Based on performances between January 6th and October 15th of this year, the expert panel displayed a more than significant lean toward attacking prowess in their selections, ultimately choosing a roster of all forwards for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year shortlist.
While the exact date is forthcoming, the CAF will announce its award-winners at a ceremony later this year.
The No. 1 Kansas City Current hit an unexpected skid on Saturday, when the 2025 NWSL Shield-winners suffered a 1-0 upset loss to the No. 10 Houston Dash — and lost their star striker, Temwa Chawinga, to injury along the way.
Despite leading the match in shots, shots on goal, and possession, the defeat snapped the Current's 17-game unbeaten streak, leaving the club one result short of setting a new franchise record.
"Sometimes things like this will happen," Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski said postgame. "You're going to dominate, you're going to do everything well, but you're not going to score a goal…. I'm glad it happened now and not two games from now."
The loss stings, but with the top postseason berth already secured, Kansas City's concern turns to their 2024 MVP after Chawinga exited the match with a non-contact injury.
A knock to the upper right leg saw the Malawi international wheeled off the pitch in the 29th minute, with Andonovski later clarifying that it was not a knee injury.
Considered a frontrunner to repeat as both NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, the 27-year-old leads the league in scoring this season with 15 goals over 23 appearances.
While Kansas City is still awaiting a specific diagnosis for their star striker, time could be on the Current's side, as this week's international break gives Chawinga a moment to rest before her club closes out their 2025 NWSL regular season — and, more importantly, takes aim at a championship run.
How to watch the next Kansas City Current match
The league-leading Current will be back in action on NWSL Decision Day, with Kansas City closing out their 2025 regular-season campaign by hosting the No. 5 San Diego Wave on Sunday, November 2nd.
The time and broadcast details for the 2025 season's Decision Day will drop at a later date at NWSLSoccer.com.