As the 2025 NWSL regular season has now reached its quarter mark, delivering exciting matchups, it`s time once again for Attacking Third`s Team of the Week. Following the weekly games throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, analysts from Attacking Third select the best starting eleven players and a coach based on their exceptional performances over the weekend.
As teams progress towards the season`s midpoint, it`s likely we`ll see some players featured repeatedly as consistent high-level performances become routine. This week`s selections highlight players who were particularly outstanding in match week seven.
Take a look at our selected best XI:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC)
The veteran goalkeeper achieved her first clean sheet of the season facing a strong Gotham FC side. Naeher dealt with 15 shots and made five crucial saves, including a vital goal-line stop deep in stoppage time.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
As a central defender, McClernon provided a solid anchor for Seattle`s backline against one of the league`s top attacking teams. She has established herself as a consistent presence in the Reign`s defense, starting every game this season. Her efforts in limiting Kansas City`s scoring opportunities in week seven were significant and necessary, especially given the 13 shots directed at the Seattle defense.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave FC)
The 17-year-old rookie is visibly gaining confidence with each start in San Diego`s defense alongside second-year center back Kennedy Wesley. She was effective in shutting down any meaningful attacks from regional rivals Bay FC and impressively scored her first professional goal – a critical game-winner in the final moments.
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)
Reyes truly stepped up for the Thorns in week seven by scoring the decisive winning goal against the reigning champions, Orlando Pride. She has become a reliable player in the Thorns` defense to start the season. The outside back executed her inverted run effectively and held her position near the top of the penalty box to find the back of the net for the winner.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
The France international is reaching a point where she could almost be a permanent fixture on our Team of the Week. This was another performance where the experienced veteran successfully closed down passing lanes for the opposition and intelligently created space to operate. San Diego`s continued success is closely tied to Dali`s influential presence in the midfield.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
The long-standing Courage captain has been instrumental in quickly getting North Carolina`s season back on course. The Irish international effectively controls the tempo and supports her teammates, whether facilitating connective play or stabilizing possession.
Midfielder: Katie Zelem (Angel City FC)
The England international has provided essential experience within a young, high-performing Angel City squad. Whether standing firm in midfield alongside Alana Kennedy or showing clinical precision as she starts more matches, she has quickly become key to balancing a younger lineup with veteran leadership.
Forward: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC)
The U.S. women`s national team forward scored the game-winning goal in just her third start for Seattle. The long-time league veteran joined the team in the offseason and has been progressively regaining regular starts. Her impact has been immediate; she is effective in counter-pressing situations and creates space for other attackers within coach Laura Harvey`s tactical system.
Forward: Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
The race for Rookie of the Year is heating up just seven weeks into the season, and Angel City forward Riley Tiernan is in excellent form, earning her first appearance on our Team of the Week. She has scored four goals through five games and proved to be the match hero with a game-winner in stoppage time.
Forward: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
Ashley Sanchez is a crucial piece as the Courage continues to find its form. While she might sometimes play as an attacking midfielder, now in her sixth league season, she is a veteran capable of taking over games when needed, which she demonstrated in week seven. Utilized in both starting roles and off the bench, she remains a key factor in Courage matches when healthy.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Coaching through not just one, but two lightning delays? Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez certainly deserves Coach of the Week honors. She managed to keep her team focused and composed during their away game in Houston, navigating one delay that approached two hours. The resulting win secured a second consecutive positive result for a team that struggled during the first quarter of the regular season.
