The 2026 National Women's Soccer League regular season is entering its final stretch, with Decision Day looming on November 1. Before the postseason chaos begins, league analysts have announced the latest Attacking Third Team of the Week. The selection process evaluates players, a head coach, and an honorary captain based on weekend performances, combining statistical data with pundit analysis to identify the most impactful contributors.
In the final regular season honors before the playoffs, the focus shifted to players who could alter the league standings. The upcoming schedule will see one more set of honors distributed after Decision Day, after which the selections will exclusively focus on quarterfinals and subsequent playoff matches.
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger of Gotham FC earned recognition for her crucial role in the club's NWSL Shield pursuit. Berger faced a determined and newly eliminated Orlando Pride team, recording seven saves against 19 shots, eight of which were on target. Her performance was instrumental in securing a narrow victory that keeps Gotham in the title race.
On the defensive front, Evelyn Shores of Angel City FC was named for her two-way play, leading her team in duels with seven and co-leading in clearances and interceptions. Tierna Davidson of Gotham FC also made the list, scoring a decisive header to maintain her club's position in the Shield race. Denver Summit's defense was represented by Kaleigh Kurtz, who celebrated her first goal for the club with a dance, and Janine Sonis, who recorded two assists in a must-win game.
Midfielder Croix Bethune of Kansas City Current stands out for breaking the single-season assist record. In 2024, she matched the record with 10 assists as a rookie, but this weekend she delivered the record-breaking assist to Vanessa DiBernardo for the game-winner. Fellow midfielder Jessie Fleming of Portland Thorns stepped up during a period of roster injury, leading the team in recoveries and touches in a significant win over North Carolina. Alba Cano of Boston Legacy also earned a spot for scoring an equalizer that preserved her team's status as a playoff spoiler.
The forward line featured Natasha Flint of Denver Summit, whose goal contributed to a three-point victory vital for their playoff push. Gisele Thompson of Angel City FC was recognized for her clinical finishing and versatility, while Marie Muller of Portland Thorns FC etched her name into club history with a lethal shot that clinched a playoff spot.
Angel City FC interim manager Leif Gunnar Smerud received the coach of the week honor. His team's impressive second-half run has silenced coaching rumors, as the club secured a home victory to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023. The front office now faces a difficult decision regarding the interim manager's future.
The honorary captain award went to the broader impact of Portland Thorns' victory. Marie Muller's game-winning goal not only secured a spot for Portland but also helped clinch playoff berths for the Kansas City Current, Utah Royals, and Angel City FC, making it a defining moment for multiple clubs on the eve of the postseason.
