NWSL Team of the Week: Bethune and Sanchez bolster USWNT cases ahead of World Cup break
Croix Bethune and Ashley Sanchez feature prominently in the latest selection, while Utah Royals coach Jimmy Coenraets takes coaching honours as his side leads the table.
Attacking Third analysts have selected the National Women's Soccer League Team of the Week for the 2026 season, identifying players with standout performances ahead of a month-long break in June for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The selection underscores the form of players potentially vying for spots on the US Women's National Team roster as the regular season intensifies.
Notable inclusions were Croix Bethune and Ashley Sanchez, whose displays strengthened their cases for international selection. Bethune was recognised for her ability to connect teammates across the lines, while Sanchez, having shifted to a left winger role, delivered a career-best season that has drawn attention from national team selectors.
Other honourees included goalkeeper Lorena, who kept things manageable for the Kansas City Current against the Portland Thorns with five saves from six attempts on target. Defender Sofia Huerta also secured a spot, becoming the only player in NWSL history to score on her 200th start and the only player to score in every season since her rookie year in 2015.
Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets received coaching honours after leading his team to the top of the table. The Royals' consistency has been driven by the creative influence of Mina Tanaka, who delivered a game-winning penalty kick, and the return of Luana to the starting lineup for the Orlando Pride after recovering from Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2025.
Defensive solidity was also recognised, with Houston Dash defender Lisa Boattin leading her team in tackles and Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle recording eight clearances and seven interceptions in a clean sheet. North Carolina defender Uno Shiragaki led the starting lineup in interceptions, while Mallory Swanson returned to the team of the week after scoring her first goal of the 2026 season in just her second appearance since returning from maternity leave.
Amidst the domestic action, Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann Katrin Berger sustained an abdominal injury while playing for her regional club in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. With the World Cup break approaching, the current selections highlight the depth of talent remaining in the league as teams look to secure their positions before the international hiatus.
