The 2025 NWSL regular season continues its run, with teams narrowing the competitive gaps after the conclusion of Week 9. As the league steadily approaches its halfway point, Attacking Third`s selection for the Team of the Week is back.
Based on remarkable performances throughout the weekend`s matches in the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts choose their Best XI players and a coach.
Wrapping up Week 9, several new faces have earned spots in our Best XI. While some players are repeat selections, the competitive balance of the league is evident as we pass the quarter mark, with different athletes stepping into the spotlight for our team of the week. If you`re keeping track, be sure to look back at our week eight team of the week, which highlighted Christen Press.
Week 10 promises more excitement, and fans can watch select NWSL regular season games across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Attacking Third`s Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian goalkeeper, signed by Kansas City in the offseason, has proven to be a dependable presence in goal over nine matches this year. The 28-year-old is tied for the league lead in shutouts, securing her fifth clean sheet of the season against the Orlando Pride. This was a challenging task facing players like Barbra Banda and Marta, but she successfully stopped four of 11 shots faced, helping Kansas City maintain their first-place position atop the standings.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
The rookie defender continues to impress on San Diego`s backline, delivering another strong performance in Week 9. With her centerback partner Kennedy Wesley suspended due to a red card, the 17-year-old quickly formed a solid partnership with veteran Kristen McNabb, contributing to a shutout against Gotham FC. She was effective in her defensive duels, leading the team with a 75% success rate.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign)
As Seattle head coach Laura Harvey refines the team`s defensive strategies, McClernon has rapidly become a key figure on the Reign`s back line. She excels at anticipating dangerous attacks by covering significant ground with intelligent positioning and led defenders in recoveries with two.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
Some players need a full match to influence the game, while others can make an impact in just one half. Krueger provided a relentless performance for the Spirit during a thrilling six-goal draw against Utah. Her halftime substitution completely changed the dynamic of the match, as the outside back constantly pushed forward in attack and disrupted Utah`s efforts. Scoring the late equalizer was the perfect conclusion to a chaotic game.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Sharples earns Best XI recognition and returns to our team of the week following another robust defensive display. She was strong in challenges and effectively marked opponents. She led the team in clearances with five and helped maintain the backline`s organization after a game-changing injury substitution for Alana Cook.
Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
Kizer showcased impressive form during a wild match against the Spirit. Not only did she score a goal for the Royals, but she also initiated a moment of chaos by heading the ball to force an own goal, which was the fifth score in just 36 minutes.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
This marks a third consecutive appearance on our Best XI for the Irish international. Another week where the midfielder served as both a defensive enforcer and a creative connector for the Courage, denying the opposition any control in the midfield. She also provided an assist on Manaka Matsukubo`s opening goal.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
The Thorns continue their impressive form, with Sam Coffey driving the team`s performance. The defensive midfielder consistently dictates the tempo for the team, which manages to find different goal scorers each week. Coffey joined the scoring contributors in Week 9 by converting a penalty and providing an assist for Pietra Tordin`s goal.
Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Riegn)
The rookie class keeps delivering, and Dahlien is making it increasingly difficult for opposing defenders to keep her out of the final third. She confidently takes on defenders and is effective in counter-pressing, tracking back while also generating attacks. She was responsible for three of Seattle`s four total shot attempts.
Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
The Japan international finally registered on the scoreboard for North Carolina this season, and her impressive two-goal performance could be a turning point for the team. The 20-year-old, in her third year with the Courage, led the team with five total shots and created two chances against Chicago.
Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
First NWSL goal, first time on the Team of the Week honors for the Thorns rookie. She demonstrated her skill by flicking the ball with her first touch, evading her defender before turning to take her shot. This goal extended the Thorns` lead, and Portland didn`t look back, pushing their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
Albertin Montoya`s adjustments to tactics and player rotation added a layer of unpredictability for Bay FC this week, a significant positive for a team that hadn`t won in three weeks. The focus now will be on establishing a consistent path forward.
Honorary Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
In a week where thoughts and support were with defender Savy King following her emergency heart surgery, the center back`s impact was felt throughout matchweek nine. The 20-year-old is now home and recovering, and players and teams across the league navigated another emotionally charged week. Sometimes, things are bigger than soccer.
