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Eight players to watch in the 2026 NWSL playoffs
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- Eight players to watch in the 2026 NWSL playoffs
Photo by Alex Goodlett/NWSL via Getty Images | NWSL via Getty Images
The National Women's Soccer League regular season is over and only eight teams remain in contention for the championship.
From now on, errors can be costly and individual performances could be the difference between a semifinal berth and early elimination. Each team will need its star to shine but they will also need veterans, creative midfielders and their most staunch defenders to step up.
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These eight will be the difference makers in the playoffs.
Midge Purce – Gotham
Midge Purce continues to make an impact no matter where she plays . Once Jordyn Dudley's season-ending injury was confirmed on Oct. 1, coach Juan Carlos Amorós decided to move her further forward from right back to right wing.
The change worked and Purce ended up being involved in both goals Gotham scored on Decision Day en route to their first NWSL Shield.
She can contribute defensively, operate higher up the pitch and create opportunities for her teammates.
Haley Hopkins – Kansas City Current
Even though Temwa Chawinga has become the synonym for attacking threat when it comes to the Kansas City Current, there's another player on the roster with strong G/A output that hasn't been getting the same amount of plaudits.
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Enter Haley Hopkins.
The striker has 16 goal contributions this season (12 goals, four assists). She's peaking at the right time with seven of those goals have been scored in the late part of the season.
Her late-season resurgence comes after an almost two-month drought and couldn't come at a better time for KC.
Leicy Santos – Washington Spirit
Leicy Santos spent more than two months off the field due to hip and foot injuries.
On Oct. 17, the day of her return, coach Adrián González praised her passing, defensive effort and ability to influence the match despite her lengthy absence.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Adrián González of the Washington Spirit talks with Leicy Santos #10 during the second half against the Chicago Stars FC at Audi Field on November 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington can consider itself lucky getting one of their most important creators back just in time. Not only that, she's also a weapon on set pieces. If Washington is to make a deep run, Santos could be the moments player to deliver.
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Kenza Dali – San Diego Wave
San Diego's midfield maestro has become one of the most important players for the club in the last couple of years. Kenza Dali not only brings international experience but also composure and an ability to control the tempo.
The team's passing ability and vision has been praised this season with Dali leading the way. Those two qualities in her game have allowed her to create consistent opportunities in the final third for her team.
Dali's ability to dictate possession and break defensive lines could prove crucial in their next game against Utah and in pursuit for their first title.
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Sarah Gorden – Angel City
If you're looking for defensive consistency and leadership, that's Sarah Gorden.
She's been a rock in the team's backline, having started 28 games this season. Gorden and Angel City return to the playoffs this year for the first time since 2023.
Gorden made NWSL Best XI squads in August and September registering 24 blocks, 34 interceptions and 141 recoveries. She's a big reason why Angel City kept nine clean sheets in 2026.
Given their quarterfinal matchup with Kansas City, Gorden must keep her defense organized, snuff out any danger and remain switched on at all times given the Current's star attackers.
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Kate Del Fava – Utah Royals
Consistency pays off. Or at least that's the case with Kate Del Fave who, at 28 years old, not only debuted with the USWNT last October but also will play her first-ever NWSL playoff match.
She's also part of a select group of eight players who have played every single minute this season. Which in her case is more impressive when you find out the defender has done so in three consecutive seasons.
Del Fava can be an aerial threat on set pieces, having scored twice this season, with both headers coming from corners.
With 40 interceptions, 33 tackles and 84% passing acccuracy, Del Fava has been a reliable presence in Utah's backline. As the team prepares to play their first-ever playoff quarterfinal against San Diego, her defensive leadership could prove crucial given the Royals are having a hard time finding the back of the net currently.
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Jordyn Bugg – Seattle Reign
At 20 years old, Jordyn Bugg has established herself as one of the most promising defenders in the NWSL.
This year has been a continuation of what she started in 2025 when she became the youngest finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year and earned a place in the league's Best XI Second Team.
Moreover, she scored the goal that earned the Reign the last spot in the playoffs.
Bugg's total defensive contributions are behind only Phoebe McClernon (194 to 278). She and the Seattle defense will be tested in the quarterfinals against Gotham. Bugg will need to demonstrate the composure and defensive awareness that have made her an emerging talent in the league.
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Caiya Hanks – Portland Thorns
Despite having played only 11 games this season, Caiya Hanks has claimed a place in the Thorns' starting XI.
She came back from an ACL injury on Aug. 15, and played just a handful of minutes. However, Hanks made her presence felt and made sure no one would forget it when she scored an absolute banger for the winning goal against Orlando Pride.
Hanks has been increasing her minutes ever since always looking to break lines. The left winger is peaking at the right time and, although she hasn't scored more than two goals, she's one of the most effective carriers and dribblers on the team.
