Sam Mewis makes her picks for 2026 NWSL champion, MVP
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Sam Mewis makes her picks for 2026 NWSL champion, MVP
Danielle Lerner, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
6 min read
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TheNWSL playoffsbegin this weekend with four quarterfinal matchups: San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals (Friday, Nov. 6), Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC (Saturday, Nov. 7), Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign (Sunday, Nov. 8) and Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns (Sunday, Nov. 8).
Former U.S. women's national team starSam Mewis,who hosts "The Women's Game" podcast for theMen In Blazers network,said there's one particular match she has circled on her calendar.
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"Kansas City versus Angel City, I had that circled the second that seeding got finalized," Mewis told USA TODAY Sports in an interview on Nov. 5. "I feel that both teams are actually in really great form coming into playoffs. Among the top teams, I wouldn't want to play against either team. A few of us were saying it's kind of a bummer that this is a first-round game because it feels like a really big one."
Fourth-seeded Kansas City will host the quarterfinal at CPKC Stadium, where theCurrent have a 32-match regular-season unbeaten streakdating back to July 6, 2024. The magic might not extend to the playoffs, though; the Current lost at home in the 2025 quarterfinals to eventual champion Gotham.
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 27: Bay FC forward Karlie Lema (5) leaps to play the ball toward the Orlando Pride goal during the first half at PayPal Park. Orlando won the game, 3-1.
(Robert Edwards, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 18: Kansas City Current defender Kayla Sharples (27) and San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15) fight for a header during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 2-0.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 13: Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) and Boston Legacy defender Bianca St-Georges (53) battle for control of the ball during the first half at Audi Field. Boston Legacy won the match, 3-0.
(Jamie Sabau, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 29: North Carolina Courage midfielder Erica Parkinson (19) shoots the ball as the Kansas City Current's Izzy Rodriguez (18) and Haley Hopkins (13) defend during the first half at CPKC Stadium. KC Current won the game, 3-2.
(Denny Medley, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 23: Bay FC midfielder Joelle Anderson (18) and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) collide with Houston Dash defender Cate Hardin (18) during the first half at PayPal Park.
(John Hefti, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 21: San Diego Wave FC forward Adriana Leon (9) controls the ball during the second half against Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 4-2.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 16: North Carolina Courage forward Ally Schlegel (35) celebrates an assisted goal during the second half against Houston Dash at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Houston Dash won the game, 3-2.
(Jaylynn Nash, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 9: Portland Thorns FC's Cassandra Bogere (right) tackles Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo during the second half at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The Portland Thorns won the match, 4-3.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 2: Boston Legacy FC's Jorelyn Carabalí (16) makes a save in front of Denver Summit FC forward Melissa Kossler (25) during the first half at Centennial Stadium.
(Ron Chenoy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 1: Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock (right) heads the ball against Bay FC's Abby Dahlkemper during the second half at PayPal Park. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 3-2.
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 26: Seattle Reign FC defender Phoebe McClernon (21) heads the ball under pressure from San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio (8) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 2-0.
(Chadd Cady, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 25: Boston Legacy FC forward Sammy Smith (8) heads the ball against Kansas City Current defender Laney Rouse (2) during the first half at Centreville Bank Stadium. Boston Legacy FC won the game, 1-0.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 18: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (16) and Bay FC's Caroline Conti (23) react to a call by a referee during the second half at PayPal Park. Bay FC won the game, 3-0.
(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)
July 12: Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (30) attempts a shot as Denver Summit FC defender Kaleigh Kurtz (3) defends during the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
July 4: North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez (2) shoots the ball past Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller (38) during the second half at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the game, 3-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
July 3: Kansas City Current midfielder Michelle Cooper (17) and Denver Summit FC defender Natalie Means (4) battle for the ball during the second half at Centennial Stadium. The KC Current won the game, 3-0.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
May 23: Houston Dash defender Leah Klenke (4) attempts to leap over Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller (17) during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The Houston Dash won the game, 2-1.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
May 15: Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji (front) competes with Boston Legacy FC defender Bianca St-Georges during the first half at PayPal Park. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
May 9: Houston Dash forward Kate Faasse (left) controls the ball against the Denver Summit FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 4-1.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
May 9: Boston Legacy FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy (1) plays the ball against Gotham FC during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
May 3: Portland Thorns FC midfielder Cassandra Bogere (6) defends Chicago Stars FC midfielder Manaka Hayashi (16) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Portland Thorns won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
May 2: North Caroilna Courage goalie Kailen Sheridan (1) clears the ball off a corner kick during the second half against the KC Current at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. KC Current won the game, 2-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
April 25: The Houston Dash's Colaprico (24) and North Carolina Courage's Evelyn Ijeh (10) battle for the ball during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The North Carolina Courage won the game, 1-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
April 25: Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo (5) defends against Chicago Stars FC's Jordyn Huitema during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Chicago Stars won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
April 24: Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena (23) drops a corner kick allowing the Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman to score a goal during the first half at Audi Field. The Washington Spirit won the game, 4-0.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
April 5: Washington Spirit defender Tara Rudd (9) heads the ball against Bay FC during the second half at PayPal Park. The Washington Spirit won the game, 2-0.
(John Hefti, Imagn Images)
March 25: Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save on a shot by Denver Summit FC's Melissa Kossler during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 2-0.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
March 25: The Washington Spirit's Esme Morgan (24) heads the ball against the Utah Royals at Audi Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
(Aaron Baker, Imagn Images)
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther González (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
(Mark Smith, Imagn Images)
March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn Carabalí (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
(Jaylynn Nash, Imagn Images)
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
(David Gonzales, Imagn Images)
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
(Peter Aiken, Imagn Images)
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
(Natalie Reid, Imagn Images)
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
(Jordyn Harris, Imagn Images)
1/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 27: Bay FC forward Karlie Lema (5) leaps to play the ball toward the Orlando Pride goal during the first half at PayPal Park. Orlando won the game, 3-1.
(Robert Edwards, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 18: Kansas City Current defender Kayla Sharples (27) and San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15) fight for a header during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 2-0.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 13: Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) and Boston Legacy defender Bianca St-Georges (53) battle for control of the ball during the first half at Audi Field. Boston Legacy won the match, 3-0.
(Jamie Sabau, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 29: North Carolina Courage midfielder Erica Parkinson (19) shoots the ball as the Kansas City Current's Izzy Rodriguez (18) and Haley Hopkins (13) defend during the first half at CPKC Stadium. KC Current won the game, 3-2.
(Denny Medley, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 23: Bay FC midfielder Joelle Anderson (18) and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) collide with Houston Dash defender Cate Hardin (18) during the first half at PayPal Park.
(John Hefti, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 21: San Diego Wave FC forward Adriana Leon (9) controls the ball during the second half against Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 4-2.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 16: North Carolina Courage forward Ally Schlegel (35) celebrates an assisted goal during the second half against Houston Dash at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Houston Dash won the game, 3-2.
(Jaylynn Nash, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 9: Portland Thorns FC's Cassandra Bogere (right) tackles Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo during the second half at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The Portland Thorns won the match, 4-3.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 2: Boston Legacy FC's Jorelyn Carabalí (16) makes a save in front of Denver Summit FC forward Melissa Kossler (25) during the first half at Centennial Stadium.
(Ron Chenoy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 1: Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock (right) heads the ball against Bay FC's Abby Dahlkemper during the second half at PayPal Park. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 3-2.
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 26: Seattle Reign FC defender Phoebe McClernon (21) heads the ball under pressure from San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio (8) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 2-0.
(Chadd Cady, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 25: Boston Legacy FC forward Sammy Smith (8) heads the ball against Kansas City Current defender Laney Rouse (2) during the first half at Centreville Bank Stadium. Boston Legacy FC won the game, 1-0.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 18: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (16) and Bay FC's Caroline Conti (23) react to a call by a referee during the second half at PayPal Park. Bay FC won the game, 3-0.
(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)
15/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 12: Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (30) attempts a shot as Denver Summit FC defender Kaleigh Kurtz (3) defends during the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
16/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 4: North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez (2) shoots the ball past Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller (38) during the second half at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the game, 3-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
17/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 3: Kansas City Current midfielder Michelle Cooper (17) and Denver Summit FC defender Natalie Means (4) battle for the ball during the second half at Centennial Stadium. The KC Current won the game, 3-0.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
18/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 23: Houston Dash defender Leah Klenke (4) attempts to leap over Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller (17) during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The Houston Dash won the game, 2-1.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
19/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 15: Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji (front) competes with Boston Legacy FC defender Bianca St-Georges during the first half at PayPal Park. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
20/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 9: Houston Dash forward Kate Faasse (left) controls the ball against the Denver Summit FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 4-1.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
21/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 9: Boston Legacy FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy (1) plays the ball against Gotham FC during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
22/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 3: Portland Thorns FC midfielder Cassandra Bogere (6) defends Chicago Stars FC midfielder Manaka Hayashi (16) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Portland Thorns won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
23/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 2: North Caroilna Courage goalie Kailen Sheridan (1) clears the ball off a corner kick during the second half against the KC Current at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. KC Current won the game, 2-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
24/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 25: The Houston Dash's Colaprico (24) and North Carolina Courage's Evelyn Ijeh (10) battle for the ball during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The North Carolina Courage won the game, 1-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
25/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 25: Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo (5) defends against Chicago Stars FC's Jordyn Huitema during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Chicago Stars won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
26/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 24: Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena (23) drops a corner kick allowing the Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman to score a goal during the first half at Audi Field. The Washington Spirit won the game, 4-0.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
27/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 5: Washington Spirit defender Tara Rudd (9) heads the ball against Bay FC during the second half at PayPal Park. The Washington Spirit won the game, 2-0.
(John Hefti, Imagn Images)
28/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 25: Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save on a shot by Denver Summit FC's Melissa Kossler during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 2-0.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
29/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 25: The Washington Spirit's Esme Morgan (24) heads the ball against the Utah Royals at Audi Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
30/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
(Aaron Baker, Imagn Images)
31/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther González (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
(Mark Smith, Imagn Images)
32/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn Carabalí (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
33/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
(Jaylynn Nash, Imagn Images)
34/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
(David Gonzales, Imagn Images)
35/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
(Peter Aiken, Imagn Images)
36/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
(Natalie Reid, Imagn Images)
37/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
(Jordyn Harris, Imagn Images)
Fifth-seededAngel City, meanwhile, has been on a tear since firing head coach Alexander Straus in June. Days after the coaching change, Angel City alsomade a mid-season trade with Kansas City to acquire attacker Ally Sentnor,who will face off against her former club in the quarterfinal. Under interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud, Angel City went undefeated in its final 10 regular-season matches.
"There's that expression, the 'new manager bump,'" Mewis said. "Things that were stagnant or not working, players suddenly feel the freedom to do things a little bit differently or respond in a way that they maybe weren't supposed to before. But I think what we're seeing with Angel City is actually really unique, and it feels like everything has come together recently."
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Mewis, a three-time NWSL champion with the Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage, said momentum is an important factor in the postseason. That could be results-based momentum, like San Diego going undefeated in its last seven games and locking up the No. 2 seed. Or it could be emotional momentum, like Seattle playing in honor of captain Jess Fishlock, who plans to retire at the end of the season.
As volatile as the playoffs can be, Mewis is predicting that the top two seeded teams will reach the NWSL title game: defending champions and2026 NWSL Shield winners Gotham FC— whose roster includes Mewis' sister-in-lawSam Kerrand several USWNT players — and the San Diego Wave.
But who will prevail?
"It's hard not to say Gotham," Mewis said. "I think their roster, their experience, their staff experience at being under pressure — not just this year with a target on their back, but in previous years to have to be an underdog and perform. I think they have a lot of diversity and variety in the way they've been able to find success, and so I feel like that hopefully is gonna lend itself to them continuing down that path."
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NWSL MVP race
The NWSL playoffs will not include the frontrunner for the league's Most Valuable Player Award:Golden Boot winner Ashley Sanchezof the North Carolina Courage.
Sanchez tied an NWSL record by scoring 20 goalsin the regular season in 30 games. It's also the most regular-season goals ever scored by an American player. But despite Sanchez's impressive output, North Carolina lost five of its final seven games and fell out of playoff contention, finishing the regular season two points below the cutoff line.
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, whose 17 goals this season ranked second behind Sanchez, also will not be in the playoffs after Orlando finished 11th in the standings.
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Which brings up a question that Mewis deemed "the talk of the town." Should Most Valuable Player go to a player whose team does not make the playoffs?
Oct 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez (2) dribbles the ball against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Mewis argued that Sanchez is a deserving MVP.
"If there was a clear, obvious other choice, I could also imagine it going to somebody who had a bigger impact on their team making playoffs and having an overall successful year. I just think the 20 goals is a rare feat and a rare accomplishment," Mewis said. "I think this is like a once-in-a-lifetime type season for an American to be scoring like this, so I'm excited for her. But of course, there are other MVP candidates. Just to me, it doesn't feel obvious who the next one would be. And so for me, it still would still go to Sanchez."
NWSL Awards winners will be announced Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN2.
Why NWSL playoffs could impact USWNT World Cup roster selections
There's perhaps even more at stake in the NWSL playoffs for a select group of American players hoping to make the roster for the2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
USWNT bubble players like Gotham's Jaelin Howell and Portland's Pietra Tordin can use the NWSL playoffs as an audition to show national team coach Emma Hayes that they can deliver in big moments.
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"Especially in my younger years, I felt like NWSL playoffs is a chance to prove that with something on the line in a game, in a knockout game, you can be the one to step up under pressure," Mewis said. "So I absolutely think for players who are fighting to make that World Cup roster — I think about Jaelin Howell on Gotham, I think about Croix Bethune on Kansas City — this is such a huge opportunity to show Emma Hayes, 'Watch me play in a game that is do or die.'"
Mewis covers athlete pregnancy on "The Women's Game" in a new three-part women's health series, with the first episode dropping Nov. 11. The episodes, created in partnership with CVS Health, include interviews with soccer players and medical experts about the menstrual cycle, family planning and returning to play after giving birth.
