Claudia Zornoza
Utah Royals FC
Claudia Zornoza is a midfielder and proven goalscorer. She brings so much every time she steps on the pitch. With experience for three teams in Spain, Zornoza has brought her A-game to the NWSL for Utah.
As a new team, Utah needed to establish key players fast. They did so with Zornoza, who came into the side with vast experience. She has scored three goals for Utah thus far and continues to be a starter for the side.
As Utah sits in 11th place with only one win and one draw, the team will need to rely on their mix of experienced players with their younger players. Zornoza can be a key player for the team, providing important tackles when defending but also offering an attacking threat going forward. She plays with tenacity, which is crucial when competing with the best in the league.
Ana Tejada
Utah Royals FC
The Utah Royals love their Spanish international players. Ana Tejada is just 22 years old and serves as a center back for Utah. Sometimes, she can slide into a defensive midfield role, which showcases her versatility.
Tejada started her professional career with Real Sociedad when she was 17. She quickly became a central figure in the defense and earned a starting spot. She has been a force for the Spanish youth teams, where she added some trophies to her shelf. With the U-17 team, she won the Euros and the World Cup, before playing with the U-20s and winning another World Cup.
She has shown that she can be a threat going forward and she can shoot from distance. Her first season with Utah in 2024 saw her score twice and assist on another goal.
Oihane Hernandez
Orlando Pride FC
Oihane Hernandez is in her first season with the Orlando Pride. The right back has experience in the Primera Division with Real Madrid and Athletic Club. She has played for Spain's youth teams and has made senior appearances with Spain.
Hernandez has only made two appearances in the NWSL for Orlando, but her experience makes her a valuable asset. She helped the Spanish women's team lift the 2023 Women's World Cup and will certainly be looking to help the lethal Pride win another championship this season.
She can be a threat down the wing with crucial crosses and she can also find lanes to take the shot for herself. For Real Madrid, Hernandez had two assists in just over 30 matches. For Athletic Club, she played over 100 games and scored three goals, which isn't bad for a defensive-minded right back.