IndiaAIFounders — NWSL: 6 standout young players who are making their mark on the 2026/27 season

NWSL: 6 standout young players who are making their mark on the 2026/27 season

With the NWSL season in full swing, we take a look at several young players who are making their mark on the pitch. From amazing talent with the ball, incredible work-rates, and finishing abilities, these players embody the traits footballers strive for.

As teams try to make their way up the table to secure playoff spots, these players will be instrumental in their teams’ success. Here are just six of many great young talents in the NWSL this season.

Melanie Barcenas, San Diego WaveThe cheat code

Melanie Barcenas is THAT player. As a defender, you know what that means. Nothing is more terrifying than being up against her one-on-one. Barcenas’ control of the ball when it is at her feet is simply ridiculous. Her goal against Denver earlier this season was absolutely unfair.

One of the young players that has signed with NWSL sides, Barcenas was 15 when she first put pen to paper for San Diego. At 18 now, she is still growing and developing her game. Her talent is off the charts, and she matches it with a fierce energy and the exuberance of youth.

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Barcenas has a goal-scorer’s mentality, and is very at home in and around the opposition’s box. Her favored spot is at the top of the box, where she uses her dribbling ability to work herself into a shooting solution. She has five goals on the season thus far, and is seeing more minutes per match regularly.

Look for her to power the San Diego attack as they move toward the playoffs as one of the top seeds.

Pietra Tordin, Portland ThornsThe striker

Pietra Tordin is piling up the points for the Thorns this season, and is a major factor in the team’s standing in the table. She is the team leader in goal involvements this season. Indeed, the 22-year-old is third in the entire league, behind only Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez of North Carolina, and MVP candidate Cloé Lacasse of the Utah Royals.

Tordin is a striker through and through, and the Portland offense relies heavily on her. As of late, she and teammate Sophia Wilson have been terrorizing NWSL defenses. Tordin is equally at home looking for her teammates as she is calling her own number. Her nine assists on the year are second in the league. She also has one of the two hat-tricks recorded in the current season (Evelyn Ijeh, North Carolina).

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Tordin has been an offensive threat for the US U20 and U23 squads, with six goals in 16 matches. The Thorns rely on their high-powered offense, and Pietra Tordin is an invaluable part of that. Her continued scoring will have a huge impact on how the side finishes the regular season, and how far they progress in the playoffs.

Jordynn Dudley, Gotham FCThe cooler

Jordynn Dudley has found her place in the starting lineup on a team of established stars that is firing on all cylinders right now. Playing on a line with Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten, Dudley has proven to be an excellent complement for established players.

What makes Dudley a tremendous asset is her ability to hold the ball. Gotham’s game is predicated on possession and ball control, and that is a perfect role for Dudley. She is comfortable with the ball in both the attacking and defending ends of the field. She is rarely dispossessed and plays with her head up. During Gotham’s current 10 match unbeaten streak, Dudley has logged major minutes, and three goal involvements.

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Dudley has also played for the US international teams at the U20 and U23 level. At just 21 years old, she has already accumulated a wealth of top flight experience. Her consistent quality in ball possession will be vital to Gotham’s defense of their NWSL crown.

Maddie Dahlien, Seattle ReignThe workhorse

Maddie Dahlien is a testimony to hard work for the Seattle Reign. She is tenacious and driven whenever she is on the pitch, and her work rate is second to none. With Seattle fighting for the last playoff berth, Dahlien will be a driver of their success.

Dahlien is very active in the opposition box, and fights hard to get to every ball. She is never out of the play, and she will always be present in the Reign attack. Dahlien’s growth in her role has been evident since the Reign signed her in 2025. She is a true student of the game, and one can see her knowledge of the pitch throughout a match. Dahlien has all of the tools to be a star in this league, and watching her come into her own is a treat. While primarily an 11, she has experience as an attacking mid, and could thrive there as well.

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As Maddie Dahlien continues to learn and grow, the Seattle Reign’s future looks brighter. She has played for the US U20, U23 and senior teams, giving her additional experience at the highest level. Her performance on the pitch will be an instrumental part of how Seattle fares in their playoff push.

Kat Rader, Houston DashThe finisher

Kat Rader is fast and smart in front of the box, and the results show that. Her nine goals lead the Houston Dash, and are top ten in the league. She is Houston’s number one threat, and is always in the box being causing mayhem.

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Rader is clinical in front of goal, working her way in close to finish. Her goal scoring prowess is one of the main reasons that Houston still holds hope for playoff football this season. Rader is the target of the Houston attack, and she is also often chosen to take penalties for the side. She is 100 percent on her PK attempts this season, with both of her penalties being scored in must-have moments for the Dash.

Rader regularly plays the full 90 for her side, as she can score at any moment. She has featured for the US international sides since her U15 days, and is hoping to make the senior squad. Her eye-popping numbers will certainly give her thoughts as Rookie of the Year in the NWSL.

Ally Sentnor, Angel CityRelentless

Ally Sentnor is that dream player who you want on your squad at the end of the match. An attacking mid, the 22-year old will be pressing from the first whistle to the last.

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Sentnor has been playing amazing football, and one needs to watch her at the end of a match. The energy she possesses and the amount of effort she puts in have not diminished one bit since the start of the match. Since coming to Angel City from Kansas City mid-season, Sentnor has played all but two minutes of Angel City’s matches. Her tenacity was on brilliant display is a recent match against the Washington Spirit. Down 1-0 late, Sentnor was a buzzsaw in the attacking end. She sent three shots at the Spirit net, and worked her way all the way across the box to finally grab the equalizer.

A member of the US international squad since 2024, Sentnor has tallied seven goals for the senior side. Her attacking presence and non-stop energy are a huge asset to the side, and will be a major factor in determining whether Angel City makes the NWSL playoffs this season.