Week three of the 2025 NWSL season brought continued winning streaks for some teams, making it challenging to select the best individual performances for our weekly Best XI. Throughout the season, Attacking Third analysts will choose a Team of the Week, highlighting 11 top players from the weekend`s matches. Each week, they will evaluate numerous performances to select the best players and a coach, even considering strong performances from players on losing teams.
While the season is long and extends into October, week three indicated which teams are starting to stand out.
Here is the Best XI for week three:
Forwards
Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current): Cooper demonstrated complete player qualities in week three, scoring a goal and providing an assist against Utah. She also led her team in successful dribbles (three). Her total shots, shots on target, and created chances were among the team`s top five as they secured their third consecutive victory. Cooper is a standout player in every sense.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, Chawinga continues to outpace defenders. The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is a constant threat with and without the ball. Her shooting, scoring, and pressing abilities ensure her frequent inclusion in our Team of the Week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals to secure victory before joining the national team camp. Her excellent timing resulted in a great performance.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha makes her third consecutive appearance in our Team of the Week. The Brazilian international consistently delivers strong attacking performances and scored her second goal of the season in week three. She plays with noticeable determination, possibly fueled by her absence from Brazil`s April roster despite leading the league in chances created (14).
Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): Known for her hard work and ball-winning skills, McCutcheon can now add goal scorer to her accolades. Her dedication to regaining possession is impressive. She scored her second goal of the season and led her team in recoveries (seven) as the Pride achieved their third straight win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): The French international has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL. Her impact for the Wave has been immediate, evident in her active pressing and connections with teammates in the final third. Despite a loss to Orlando, Dali contributed with an assist to Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins commented on Dali: `Dali was a boss in the midfield. Her penetrative passes, connection with McCaskill, and whipped-in balls for the assist are top-level. We are seeing her prime form, like with France, now in the NWSL.`
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was dynamic for Angel City in week three. The outside back covered significant ground and was consistently involved in attacking plays. She led her team in successful dribbles (three) and was strong in defensive challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown was crucial in the Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. Working effectively with center-back partners Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan, she displayed key awareness during team transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook was solid in the Current`s third consecutive victory. She led the team in tackles (four) and provided essential organization to the defense.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender showed resilience after her first professional start. Despite an own goal in week two, she was a significant asset in week three, helping Gotham manage momentum shifts. The rookie ranked second on the team in completed crosses (four).
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC): The Australian international was outstanding against North Carolina Courage, facing 28 crosses. She made five saves, including a crucial penalty save against Jaedyn Shaw.
Coach
Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL coach has his team playing with confidence and effectiveness in attack, while maintaining defensive stability. The team`s current start is even stronger than last season.
