The regular season might be over in NWSL, but that just means the fun is just getting started with the 2026 NWSL playoffs right around the corner. Decision Day crowned a new NWSL Shield winner with Gotham FC and clinched the eighth and final playoff spot with Seattle Reign, and in between, eight games all kicked off at the same time, and we saw plenty of standout performances. That means it's the perfect time to give out Attacking Third Team of the Week honors.
After weekly matches across the 2026 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts select players, a head coach, and an honorary captain based on weekend performances. 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.
It's been a long year, and it's not quite over. With the playoffs starting on Friday, that means our team of the week honors will have a playoff feel to them and solely feature players competing in the postseason. Stay tuned for more coverage of the NWSL playoffs.
On Decision Day, you can only control what's in front of you, and while North Carolina will miss out on the 2026 NWSL playoffs, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan did what she could to keep the team in the mix down to the final minute. Made four saves on 12 shots faced and earned a spot in the league record books as the third goalkeeper to reach 700 saves, joining Jane Campbell and Alyssa Naeher. In elite company ✨Kailen Sheridan is the 3rd goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach 700 career regular-season saves! pic.twitter.com/ScxaO01TI4 There might not be a newly acquired player who fits in more seamlessly with Gotham FC than Guro Reiten this season.
Joined the club in mid-April and is now an NWSL Shield winner after scoring the opening goal on Decision Day. Gotham are making their Shield push 🏆Midge Purce sets up Guro Reiten as Gotham strike first on Decision Day 🤩🎥 @NWSL pic.twitter.com/8xLu5xuqKK Organized structure and defense are staples of the Seattle Reign identity, and outside back Madison Curry gave everyone watching a reminder of that. Led the backline in tackles (three), clearances (three), and duels (12) in a cagey must-win game against Orlando Pride.
The group clinched the eighth and final playoff spot, and if they want to shake up the postseason, their reliable defense will be a huge reason why. If you've been paying attention at all this regular season, then it should come as no surprise that rookie Mimi Van Zanten is back on the team of the week. She scored her second goal of the season and led the team in clearances (four), interceptions (five), and tackles (eight).
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