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The 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season has officially reached its midpoint, culminating in a decisive Week 13 before the league enters a significant five-week hiatus for international competitions. This final matchday provided teams a last opportunity to secure crucial points and offered individual players a stage to demonstrate peak performance, making the selection for the weekly “Team of the Week” particularly competitive.
Each week throughout the campaign, analysts meticulously review every fixture to identify the eleven most impactful players, alongside a head coach and an honorary captain, based purely on their on-field contributions and influence. With over half the season now complete, the pool of deserving candidates continues to grow, highlighting the depth of talent within the NWSL.
Highlighting Week 13`s Elite: The Team of the Week
This week`s selection underscores a blend of consistent performers and timely heroics:
Goalkeeper
Lorena (Kansas City Current): Leading the league in clean sheets and boasting a formidable save percentage, the Brazilian international has been a transformative acquisition for the Current. Her critical penalty save in Week 13 directly preserved three points, solidifying her status as a defensive linchpin and arguably one of the most effective signings of the season.
Defenders
Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC): Even in a losing effort, Malonson demonstrated defensive reliability for Bay FC. Her ability to read the game, intercept opposition play, and transition the ball forward was noted by analysts. As former international Jen Beattie commented, this “reading the game, winning the ball back… that`s just Mallinson in a nutshell,” highlighting her consistent defensive intelligence.
Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): A repeat feature, Sharples continues to anchor the league-leading Current defense, which secured another shutout. Her consistent play, leadership at the back, and improved ball-playing ability have made her indispensable. Beattie observed that Sharples “has gone from strength to strength,” particularly praising her distribution skills developed this season.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown makes another appearance, recognized for her dominant defensive presence. Leading the Spirit in touches and clearances during a week where defensive organization was paramount, she showcased resilience against sustained pressure while also bravely stepping higher up the pitch from her central position.
Arin Wright (Racing Louisville FC): The captain has been instrumental in Racing Louisville`s impressive run of form, contributing significantly at both ends. Her positional awareness, set-piece delivery, and clinical header in Week 13 exemplify the versatile contributions that have helped propel her team up the table.
Midfielders
Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC): Another consistent inclusion, Coffey`s leadership and decision-making in midfield were crucial for the Thorns. Her quick thinking on the ball culminated in the game-winning assist for a rookie teammate, showcasing her ongoing impact on the team`s attack.
Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC): Flint complements Wright`s contributions by providing a robust presence in Louisville`s midfield. Leading the team in key defensive metrics like tackles and interceptions, she is also a reliable penalty taker, netting her third goal of the season from the spot. Her consistent defensive shifts are foundational to Racing`s recent success.
Ji So-yun (Seattle Reign FC): The South Korea international brought both experience and decisive action to Seattle`s midfield. Beyond providing a smart assist, her composed finish from within the box was a highlight of the Reign`s strong road performance, earning her first recognition on the Best XI this year.
Forwards
Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign FC): At just 19, Adames delivered a memorable performance, scoring two of Seattle`s four goals. Her composed penalty conversion and clinical finish in open play demonstrated maturity beyond her years. This brace also placed her in the league record books as one of the youngest players to achieve the feat, signaling a bright future.
Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage): As the Courage quietly ascend towards the playoff positions, Matsukubo`s form has been a significant factor. Her return to the Best XI was marked by a game-winning assist, highlighting her ability to provide the decisive moment needed to secure points.
Bia Zanerrato (Kansas City Current): While her teammate Lorena provided heroics at the back, Zanerrato delivered the necessary offense. Her game-winning goal underscored the Current`s knack for finding a way to secure victory, maintaining their position as a formidable force in the league.
Leading the Way: Coach and Honorary Captain
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC): Guiding her team to five wins in their last seven matches, Yanez has instilled a newfound confidence and effectiveness in Racing Louisville. Overcoming historical playoff struggles, the team`s strong form heading into the break is a testament to her strategic approach and leadership. The real test now begins as they prepare for the season`s second half.
Honorary Captain: Washington Spirit Locker Room: This unconventional choice acknowledges the remarkable resilience and unity displayed by the Washington Spirit players. Navigating their seventh head coaching change since 2021 – with the latest transition occurring just before the break – the team has maintained a competitive edge and remained firmly in playoff contention. This recognition highlights the player leadership and stable culture they have cultivated amidst organizational flux, proving that sometimes, the strength of the collective surpasses the individual.
As the NWSL enters its summer break, Week 13 provides a clear picture of the league`s top performers and compelling team narratives at the season`s halfway mark. The stage is now set for an exciting return to action, with teams regrouping and preparing for a decisive second half.
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Dominic Ashworth