Week two of the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season showcased exciting matchups between last year`s playoff contenders. These early games may provide insights into the 2025 playoff landscape and establish the tone among top teams. As some clubs secured their first points, others are emerging as potential underdogs or staging impressive comebacks.

Former semifinalists delivered captivating performances. Gotham FC suffered a 0-2 defeat in their home opener against Orlando Pride, the reigning NWSL Shield and Championship winners. Meanwhile, Kansas City Current celebrated a 2-0 away victory over Washington Spirit, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup champions, spoiling their home opener. Unsurprisingly, several players from Pride and Current earned spots in our weekly Best XI.

Throughout the 2025 regular season, Attacking Third will continue to announce a team of the week, recognizing 11 top players each week.

It`s still early in the season, but fans can follow select NWSL regular season games across CBS platforms.

Here is our Best XI for week two:

Forwards

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Despite not scoring, Banda`s impactful presence was felt all over the field against Gotham FC. Her relentless activity kept the defense under pressure throughout the game, even when scoring opportunities were limited.

Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): The race for the NWSL Golden Boot is on again. Chawinga scored in her team`s 3-1 win against Washington Spirit. Her dynamic movement and sharp finishing in crucial moments of the game were key to her team`s continued unbeaten start to the season, confirming her excellent early form.

Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC): The French international delivered an outstanding performance, providing an assist and consistently challenging defenders. Beyond creating chances for teammates, she actively pressed opponents to regain possession.

Midfielders

Debinha (Kansas City Current): The Brazilian international delivered another comprehensive performance in week two. She led the team in chances created (five), was second in total shots and shots on target (three each), and was a consistent driving force in the team`s attacking play.

Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL midfielder scored a penalty and celebrated with another memorable goal celebration. She played a crucial role in disrupting opposition attacks and topped the team in ball recoveries (eight).

Ally Watt (Orlando Pride): While her exact position in the Best XI might be debated given her attacking prowess, Opta lists her as a right attacking midfielder, and she is recognized here as such. Besides her offensive contributions with shots and crosses, she diligently worked to win back possession for Orlando.

Defenders

Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): Since joining last year, Sharples has been a reliable figure in the Current`s defense. She appears to be the long-term partner for Alana Cook in central defense, and she ranked second on the team in clearances (eight) and duels (three).

Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC): Sonnett`s leadership and organization in defense indicate that Gotham will be a tough and well-structured opponent. She effectively connects passes in possession and actively wins back the ball. Against Orlando Pride, she led defenders in ball recoveries (four).

Rafaelle (Orlando Pride): Orlando Pride are gradually increasing Rafaelle`s playing time as she is a valuable asset to their defense when healthy. Despite playing only 45 minutes, she was second on the team in clearances (seven).

Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC): The second-year Reign defender earned her place in the Best XI largely due to her offensive impact. Bugg scored a remarkable goal from nearly 40 yards out, her first professional goal, and was second on the team in clearances (five).

Goalkeeper

Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride): The English international returns to the Best XI after another clean sheet in week two. She faced 20 crosses and 15 shots, making four saves to secure Orlando`s shutout streak.