The unsung heroes of the 2026 NWSL season

Photo by Jeff Dean/NWSL via Getty Images | NWSL via Getty Images While more often than not highlights and goal contributions earn players a majority of the plaudits, sustained success in the NWSL is based on consistency behind the scenes. From rookie defenders stepping into high-pressure roles to veterans setting club records without national fanfare, several players have anchored their teams through the 2026 campaign. Here is a look at some of the league’s most impactful, unsung heroes this season. Sarah Gorden – Angel City FC After logging 2,225 minutes across 25 starts in 26 matches, Sarah Gorden has registered three assists alongside elite defensive metrics. According to FotMob, she has racked up 203 defensive contributions, including 32 tackles, 30 interceptions, 22 blocks, and 119 clearances, earning back-to-back Best XI honors for August and September. Sarah Gorden with TWO massive blocks in the span of 5 minutes ❌❌ pic.twitter.com/YBb6TLCEhI— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 24, 2026 Beyond the raw data, Angel City’s late-season resurgence has hinged on Gorden’s steadying presence. While the club struggled to find its identity early on, Gorden remained an ever-present leader at the back. She may not command national headlines, but she is the undisputed defensive cornerstone of the team. Cloé Lacasse – Utah Royals Cloé Lacasse isn’t just making a case for unsung hero of the season, but she also belongs in the MVP conversation. Despite being snubbed from every monthly NWSL Best XI selection this year, the Canadian international’s production has forced pundits to pay attention. Cloé Lacasse goal! 🙌Cloé Lacasse finds the net from a Miyabi Moriya assist to put Utah ahead 1-0! pic.twitter.com/8k5n5OEnhf— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 27, 2026 The winger has delivered seven goals and 10 assists, matching the NWSL single-season assist record. Just one assist away from making history, Lacasse’s omission from main stage recognition makes her one of the most underrated offensive forces in 2026. Jaelin Howell – Gotham FC As Gotham’s midfield safety net, Jaelin Howell does the unheralded work that allows the team’s marquee attackers to thrive. You won’t find her at the top of the scoring charts, but her value lies in positional discipline, transition breaking, and dirty work in central midfield. I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT JAE!For her outstanding performances, #GothamFC Midfielder Jaelin Howell has earned @NWSL Best XI of the Month for July, pres. by @amazon Prime. Jaelin helped Gotham FC post a 4-1-1 record in July.Read more: https://t.co/sRkRDA10Cy pic.twitter.com/rSqIJPbok7— y – Gotham FC (@GothamFC) August 7, 2026 USWNT head coach Emma Hayes noted Howell’s relentless engine when calling her up for the October international camp: “Jaelin is an experienced player who has demonstrated at the club level that she’s putting in consistent performances.” Her stellar July campaign—including double-digit tackles, clearances and interceptions alongside two assists—earned her a deserving Best XI spot. Mimi Van Zanten – San Diego FC While rookie storylines often center on attacking prospects, Mimi Van Zanten has quietly built a strong Rookie of the Year case at the back. behold, Mimi Van Zanten masterclass vs. the Spirit in 1 minute pic.twitter.com/hqzMLrvhkL— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) August 4, 2026 Playing with the poise of an established veteran, the rookie defender has seamlessly integrated into one of the league’s most demanding defensive units. Her tactical maturity and composure under pressure have made her an indispensable starter during San Diego’s push for the top of the table. Evelyn Ijeh – North Carolina Courage It is rare for one of the NWSL’s most lethal finishers to slide under the radar, but Evelyn Ijeh’s high-output season has remained surprisingly low-profile. Ash ➡️ Ijeh to get us on the board! pic.twitter.com/VReZiDvAB3— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) August 29, 2026 Ijeh has bagged 11 goals this season, powered by explosive summer runs in July and August where she netted four goals in each month. For a Courage side reliant on efficiency in the final third, Ijeh has been their most dependable threat. Jess Fishlock – Seattle Reign While Jess Fishlock’s legacy as an NWSL legend prevents her from being truly “unknown,” her 2026 campaign deserves far more national spotlight. Jess Fishlock is now Seattle Reign’s all-time leading goal scorer 🤩👏Fishlock scored two goals last night against Boston Legacy in the National Women’s Soccer League – bringing the Welsh midfielder up to regular season 52 goals for Seattle Reign ⚽️Congratulations, Jess! ⭐️… pic.twitter.com/xcsVOWmJAE— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 26, 2026 At 39, the Welsh midfielder has notched nine goals this season, breaking Seattle’s single-season club scoring record in the process. Fishlock continues to defy age, providing the competitive edge and goalscoring bite needed to keep Seattle firmly in the playoff race. Lauren Milliet – Racing Louisville Lauren Milliet earned headlines in August after earning Best XI honors with a one-goal, five-assist month, but her impact spans far beyond a single four-week stretch. The patience and pass by Kayla Fischer 👀The finish by Lauren Milliet 👌 pic.twitter.com/73WCKPwF7q— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 29, 2026 In a grueling campaign for Louisville, Milliet has started 26 of 27 matches and logged 2,287 minutes. Without relying on a single dominant attribute, her versatility across the pitch and tactical adaptability have stabilized Louisville through every line-up shift.