While players often gain recognition for their highlights and goal contributions, true success in the NWSL often hinges on the strength of consistent performances behind the scenes.
This season has showcased various players, from rookies stepping into intense roles to veterans breaking club records, all contributing significantly to their teams throughout the 2026 campaign.
Let’s take a look at some of the league’s most impactful yet unrecognized players this season.
Sarah Gorden – Angel City FC
Logging 2,225 minutes across 25 starts in 26 matches, Sarah Gorden has managed three assists alongside impressive defensive stats. Per FotMob, she’s accumulated 203 defensive contributions, which include 32 tackles, 30 interceptions, 22 blocks, and 119 clearances. Her performance has earned her back-to-back Best XI honors for August and September.
More than just the numbers, Angel City’s late-season revival has greatly depended on Gorden’s steadying influence. Early in the season, as the club struggled to establish itself, Gorden emerged as a consistent leader in defense. She’s not in the national spotlight, but she undeniably stands as the team’s cornerstone defensive player.
Cloé Lacasse – Utah Royals
Cloé Lacasse is not only making a case as an unsung hero of the season but also deserves recognition in the MVP discussions. Despite being overlooked for every monthly NWSL Best XI selection this year, the Canadian international’s performance is hard to ignore.
The winger has notched seven goals and 10 assists, matching the single-season assist record in the NWSL. She’s just one assist shy of setting a record, and her lack of recognition on the main stage makes her one of the most undervalued offensive players of 2026.
Jaelin Howell – Gotham FC
As Gotham’s midfield anchor, Jaelin Howell engages in the underappreciated efforts that enable the team’s key attackers to excel. While she may not top the scoring charts, her significance comes from her positional discipline and the dirty work she does in midfield.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes praised Howell’s relentless work ethic when calling her up for the October international camp, noting her consistent performances at the club level. Howell’s impressive July, which included double-digit tackles, clearances, and interceptions, earned her a well-deserved spot on the Best XI.
Mimi Van Zanten – San Diego FC
Though rookie narratives typically focus on offensive talents, Mimi Van Zanten has quietly established her case for Rookie of the Year from a defensive standpoint.
Displaying the composure of a seasoned veteran, the rookie defender has blended seamlessly into one of the league’s toughest defensive squads. Her tactical awareness and ability to handle pressure have made her an essential starter as San Diego aims for a top position.
Evelyn Ijeh – North Carolina Courage
It’s unusual for one of the NWSL’s most effective finishers to go unnoticed, but Evelyn Ijeh’s outstanding season has mostly flown under the radar.
With 11 goals this season, her remarkable performance in July and August, where she scored four goals in each month, has fueled her team’s reliance on efficiency up front, making Ijeh their most reliable scoring threat.
Jess Fishlock – Seattle Reign
Though Jess Fishlock’s status as an NWSL legend means she’s not entirely “unknown,” her performances this season deserve more national attention.
At 39, the Welsh midfielder has recorded nine goals this season, setting a new single-season scoring record for Seattle. Fishlock continues to defy age, providing the competitive edge and scoring ability crucial for keeping Seattle firmly in playoff contention.
Lauren Milliet – Racing Louisville
Lauren Milliet made waves in August by earning Best XI honors with a one-goal, five-assist month, but her contributions extend well beyond that single performance period.
Through a demanding season for Louisville, Milliet has started 26 of 27 matches, accumulating 2,287 minutes of play. Without relying on a standout attribute, her versatility and tactical flexibility have been key to stabilizing the team amid various lineup changes.
