Week three of the 2025 NWSL season brought continued winning streaks and outstanding individual performances, making it challenging to select the weekly best eleven. Throughout the season, analysts will choose a team of the week, recognizing 11 top players from each weekend`s matches. Each week, analysts will evaluate numerous performances to identify the best players and a leading coach, even considering strong performances from losing sides.
While it`s still early in the long season extending into October, week three highlighted a few teams pulling ahead.
Catch select NWSL matches on CBS platforms including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here are the top players of the week:
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 topped her team in successful dribbles (three). Her total shots, shots on target, and created chances rank among the team`s top five after their third straight victory. Cooper is truly a standout player.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, Chawinga is consistently outperforming defenders. The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is a constant threat on and off the ball, capable of shooting, scoring, and pressing against any opponent. She`s on track to be a regular in the team of the week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals that secured victory and coincided with a national team call-up. It was perfect timing for an exceptional performance.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha earns her third consecutive team of the week selection. The Brazilian international maintains consistent attacking contributions and scored her second goal of the season in week three. She appears motivated, possibly due to being omitted 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 is now also adding goal-scorer to her attributes. Her dedication to regaining possession is remarkable. She scored her second goal of the season and led her team in recoveries (seven) during the Pride`s third consecutive win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): The French international has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL. Her impact for the Wave has been immediate and evident in her active pressing and link-up play in the final third. Despite a loss to Orlando, Dali contributed an assist to Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Analyst Darian Jenkins commented on Dali`s midfield dominance, highlighting her incisive passes and connection with McCaskill, noting her prime form reminiscent of her performances for France, now seen stateside.
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was dynamic for Angel City in week three. The outside back covered extensive ground and was consistently involved in attacking plays. She led her team in successful dribbles (three) and was strong in challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown was crucial to the Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. She worked effectively with center-back partners Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan, displaying key awareness during transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook was impactful in the Current`s third straight win. She led the team in tackles (four) and provided crucial organization to the defense.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender rebounded impressively after her first professional start. Despite an own goal in week two, she was a significant asset in week three, aiding Gotham through momentum shifts and ranking 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 in the match. She made five saves, including a critical 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, coupled with defensive solidity. The team`s current start is even stronger than last season`s.
Dominic Ashworth