Six players who stood out in the NWSL playoff quarterfinals

The NWSL quarterfinals delivered a historic attacking performance, a major upset and two games that needed late drama to decide who would reach the semifinals. Several players made their mark going forward, while others stood out for their defensive work.

Here are six who caught the eye in the opening round.

Trinity Rodman — Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman showed why she is the NWSL’s highest-paid player, scoring twice and setting up another goal against Portland. Those three goal contributions were the headline, but she also put in plenty of work defensively.

Rodman made 12 recoveries and won all three of her attempted tackles. It was a complete performance, and one that gives the Spirit some momentum heading into the next round.

Clara Luvanga — Washington Spirit

Rodman may have drawn much of the attention, but she wasn’t the only reason the Spirit’s attack was so effective. Clara Luvanga also played a major role.

In just 67 minutes, Luvanga scored once and provided two assists. She created two big chances and made three key passes, matching Rodman’s total of three goal contributions. The pair became the first players in NWSL history to reach that mark in a single playoff game.

Mandy McGlynn — Utah Royals

Seventh-seeded Utah shut out second-seeded San Diego and knocked them out of the playoffs, a result that took a strong effort from the whole team. Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn was central to the upset.

She made two important saves before Kiana Palacios scored the winning goal. McGlynn finished with four saves, five throws, two high claims, three clearances and 12 recoveries, helping Utah protect its narrow lead as San Diego pushed for an equalizer.

She also recorded her third career playoff clean sheet, tying the league record. With Mina Tanaka unavailable, Utah’s defense will remain a particularly important strength in the next round.

Gabrielle Robinson — Kansas City Current

Kansas City advanced after a difficult quarterfinal against Angel City that went to extra time. A penalty, and the debate around it, drew plenty of attention, but center back Gabrielle Robinson was important throughout the match.

Robinson made 15 clearances and contributed to 21 defensive actions. She and right back Laney Rouse also shared the team high for touches, with 105 each. In a close game, Robinson helped the Current stay in the contest and keep a clean sheet.

Ainsley McCammon — Seattle Reign

Not every standout performance comes in a win. Seattle midfielder Ainsley McCammon impressed despite her team’s narrow defeat to top-seeded Gotham.

McCammon played 84 minutes, making four tackles and four interceptions, winning eight duels and creating one key pass. Her defensive work helped Seattle disrupt Gotham’s attack as the Reign searched for an equalizer.

Seattle’s playoff run ended, but McCammon’s effort was still worth recognizing.

Kayla Sharples — Kansas City Current

Kayla Sharples played all 120 minutes against Angel City and helped Kansas City hold on through regulation. She was also involved in the sequence that led to the match-winning penalty.

In extra time, Sharples went down after contact near the goal line as teammate Izzy Rodríguez delivered a corner. The referee awarded a penalty, and Michelle Cooper converted to send the Current through.

The decision was disputed, but Sharples’ contribution was about more than that moment. She helped contain an Angel City side that had scored 54 goals during the regular season.