NWSL Team of the Week: Barbra Banda dominates; USWNT vets and young stars produce in big moments

The Attacking Third crew picked their best XI from the past week's NWSL action

The 2026 NWSL regular season has had a busy slate of matches, and performances reflected the chaos. A majority of clubs have reached the quarter mark of the season, and it feels like rosters are either settling into a routine or some players are benefiting from it.

It also feels like the right time to cue up Attacking Third's NWSL Team of the Week.

Back for a second year, we're keeping our Team of the Week trend going. After weekly fixtures across the 2026 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts will select a team of the week, head coach, and honorary captain based on performances across the weekend. 

It's an opportunity to note exciting performances and big moments in games, and even to acknowledge players who made an impact in matches that ended in draws or losses. 

Here you can find a mix of stats and data, along with analysis from our pundits and highlights you may have missed over the weekend. If you're keeping track of who made past lineups, check out our previous edition.

Here's who made the latest Best XI:

Goalkeeper: Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC)

Bay FC are still ironing out their identity this season, but having a stable presence in net will help along the way. This week, Jordan Silkowitz gets team of the week honors for coming up with big stops against the San Diego Wave.

A SILKY SAVE ‼️ Jordan Silkowitz gets just a fingertip to it and pushes it off the post. pic.twitter.com/K3VIvqP50H

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 3, 2026

Defender: Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC)

Sometimes it's the little things that keep a backline organized, and that's what centerback Tierna Davidson provides. Building her minutes and getting stronger week to week, she led her team in clearenaces (four) and helped maintain the tempo for Gotham this week. 

Defender: Pheobe McClernon (Seattle Reign)

Seattle's defensive organization is well known for making things stifling for attacking opposition. Defender Pheobe McClernon is an anchor for the Reign and often provides consistency for the group. She led the team in clearances (five) and shot blocks (three) to keep a cleansheet for Seattle. 

Defender: Bianca St. George (Boston Legacy)

Congrats to Boston on their first NWSL win; it was a long time coming. It also happened in dramatic fashion, with Bianca St. George delivering a dramatic game-winner at the death.

BIANCA ST-GEORGES SECURES BOSTON LEGACY'S FIRST WIN EVER IN THE NWSL 💚🙌 pic.twitter.com/HBDBrOafjz

— W Golazo (@WGolazo) May 3, 2026

Defender: Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)

Houston's defense is making life difficult for other teams week in and week out, and fullback Avery Patterson is a huge reason why. Getting involved in attacks and helping shut down the wing, she led the team in tackles (four), interceptions (two), and clearances (five) against Seattle.

Midfielder: Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)

If Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie isn't setting them up, she's knocking them down. She scored the Thorns' opening goal on her 100th NWSL appearance.

SHE WASN'T GOING TO MISS FROM THERE 🎯 Olivia Moultrie scores on her 100th NWSL regular-season appearance! pic.twitter.com/D4fC2MDkUd

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 3, 2026

Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City got a win at an important time in their season, but even more crucial was Croix Bethune putting on the moves. She nailed the finish after a cheeky move in the box.

Loose ball in the box and Croix Bethune capitalizes with SAUCE ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/PAQ7uB7oxX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2026

Midfielder: Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)

Colombian international Leicy Santos excels at creating pockets of space and finding the open outlet. She delivered a nifty assist on Claudia Martinez's goal.

Claudia Martínez with a BEAUTIFUL run and....IN 👏 It's her second NWSL goal! pic.twitter.com/EHRseyjmBs

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2026

Forward: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

Orlando Pride will also have a chance in games because they've got Barbra Banda on their roster. The Zambian international scored a brace this weekend and leads the NWSL Golden Boot race with seven goals.

Loose ball in the box and Croix Bethune capitalizes with SAUCE ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/PAQ7uB7oxX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2026

Forward: Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)

Back on our team of the week is Trinity Rodman, and it's no surprise. After delivering two assists, she scored her third goal in three games.

Trinity Rodman's third goal in three games 🤯 Rosemonde Kouassi serves it on a platter and Rodman finishes it perfectly! pic.twitter.com/Bz05VKDXRk

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2026

Forward: Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit)

Showing no signs of a sophomore slump is Italian international Sofia Cantore. In her second season with the Spirit, she's making big plays and scoring goals, including a brace against Orlando Pride.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE ‼️ Sofia Cantore with a brace in 5:27 from kickoff, the fastest in NWSL history! https://t.co/n4hSEnsG0s pic.twitter.com/8XM3iSnTlo

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2026

Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)

Maybe it's an embarrassing amount of talent on the roster or just timing, but the Washington Spirit are soaring. Head coach Adrian Gonzalez has kept cool and a level head as the group kept working toward goal scoring. He was never truly worried about the first four weeks of the season, and with reason, the roster kept creating and generating, and now, after six weeks and eight games, they're the spooky good team we all thought they would be.

Honorary captain: Josie Swanson and Gigi Wilson

This week, we are giving an honorary captain to a special pair navigating their first NWSL season. Josie Swanson and Gigi Wilson, the daughters of Mal Swanson and Sophia Wilson. They got an extra special treat and were able to hang out together this weekend with Alyssa Naeher.

Alyssa Naeher got to meet Baby Gigi and Baby Josie 🥹 pic.twitter.com/6iQkiu3o1k

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 3, 2026