The 2025 NWSL regular season continues, with teams tightening the competition after Week 9. The league is steadily approaching its halfway point, which means it`s time again for the Attacking Third`s Team of the Week.
Following weekly matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts select a Best XI lineup and a coach based on their standout performances over the weekend.
As we wrap up Week 9, several new players have earned a spot in our Best XI. While some players have made repeat appearances, the competitive balance of the league is evident well past the season`s first quarter, bringing different faces into the Team of the Week.
There`s plenty of excitement ahead in Week 10, and fans can watch select NWSL regular season matches on various broadcast platforms.
Best XI
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian goalkeeper, who signed with Kansas City in the offseason, has been a reliable presence in goal across nine matches this year. The 28-year-old leads the league with five clean sheets after shutting out the Orlando Pride in Week 9. This was no easy feat against attacking threats like Barbra Banda and Marta, but she faced 11 shots and made four saves, helping Kansas City maintain their first-place position in the standings.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
The rookie defender has been a strong force on San Diego`s backline and delivered another significant performance in Week 9. With her center-back partner Kennedy Wesley suspended, the 17-year-old quickly formed a chemistry with veteran Kristen McNabb and contributed to a clean sheet against Gotham FC. She was effective in her 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 quickly become a key player in the Reign`s backline. She excels at anticipating dangerous attacks by covering significant ground with her positioning and led defenders in recoveries with two.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
Some players need a full game to make an impact, while others only need a half. Krueger provided a relentless performance for the Spirit during a wild six-goal draw against Utah. Her halftime substitution completely changed the dynamic of the match, as the outside back constantly involved herself in the attack and disrupted Utah`s efforts. Scoring the equalizer at the very end was the perfect conclusion to a chaotic game.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Sharples earns Best XI honors, returning to our team of the week after another solid performance on the back line. She was strong in challenges and did well with marking duties. She led the team in clearances with five and helped the defense stay organized, especially after managing a game-changing injury substitution for Alana Cook.
Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
Kizer displayed some classic form during the chaotic match against the Spirit. Not only did she score a goal for the Royals, but she also initiated chaos by jumping and heading the ball, forcing an own goal that was the fifth score in just 36 minutes.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
This marks a third consecutive appearance for the Irish international in our Best XI. Another week where the midfielder was both a defensive enforcer and a creative connector for the Courage, giving the opposition zero opportunities to control the midfield. She also provided an assist on Manaka Matsukubo`s opening goal.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
The Thorns continue their strong run, and Sam Coffey is key to their success. The defensive midfielder consistently helps maintain the team`s tempo, contributing to the fact that a different player seems to score every week. Coffey joined the list of goalscorers in Week 9 by converting a penalty and assisting on Pietra Tordin`s goal.
Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign)
The rookie class continues to impress, and Dahlien is making it increasingly difficult for opposing defenders to keep her out of the final third. She isn`t afraid to take 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 got on the scoreboard for North Carolina this season, and her breakout two-goal game could be a turning point for the team. The 20-year-old, in her third year with the Courage, led the team in total shots with five and created two chances against Chicago.
Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
Her first goal earns the Thorns rookie her first Team of the Week honors. She showcased her skill with a first touch flick, then shrugged off her defender before turning to take her shot. This extended the Thorns` lead, and Portland never looked back, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
Changing tactics and player rotation gave Bay FC an added layer of unpredictability this week, a significant positive for a side that hadn`t secured a win in three weeks. The challenge now is to find a consistent path forward.
Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
Following a week where hearts and minds were with defender Savy King after her emergency heart surgery, the center back`s presence was felt throughout matchweek nine. The 20-year-old is now home and recovering, and players and teams across the league navigated another emotional week. Sometimes, it`s bigger than soccer.
Dominic Ashworth