Six best players from the NWSL playoff quarterfinals
Both she and Rodman became the first players in NWSL history to record three goal contributions in a single playoff game.
Key points
- Clara Luvanga puts the pressure on and is rewarded 😗 pic.twitter.com/YuAUIABq0z — National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 8, 2026 She delivered three-goal contributions—one goal and two assists—too in just 67 minutes, created two big chances and made three key passes.
- If you didn’t know Mandy McGlynn’s name before tonight, you know it now 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/QMwv7z4Q1Y — National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 7, 2026 She finished the game with four saves, five throws, two high claims, three clearances and 12 recoveries.
- Mandy McGlynn – Utah Royals It takes something special for the seventh seed to keep the second seed, San Diego, scoreless and eliminate them from playoff contention.
Trinity Rodman – Washington Spirit Trinity Rodman made sure everyone knows why she’s the highest-paid player in the NWSL after scoring two goals and assisting once in the quarterfinals.
Here are six players that stood out in the first round of the postseason.
Additional details
- McGlynn also tied the league record with her third career playoff clean sheet, another milestone part of an already memorable performance.
- pic.twitter.com/7Xs3Vtusrz — National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2026 Her defensive work stands out for an attacker.
- While some players displayed major attacking performances, others stood out for their defensive work.
- With Mina Tanaka unavailable, Utah’s defense is their best asset in this lopsided bracket.
- After all, it took extra time to eliminate Angel City in the quarterfinals.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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