The 2025 NWSL regular season continues, with teams refining their play after Week 9. As the league approaches its halfway mark, the Attacking Third Team of the Week has been selected.
Following the weekend`s matches, Attacking Third analysts have chosen the top XI players and a coach based on their outstanding performances.
Week 9 saw many new faces appear in the Best XI. While some players returned, the season`s competitive balance is evident, with diverse players earning spots in the team. This variety highlights the depth of talent in the league as we move past the first quarter.
- Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
- Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
- Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign)
- Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
- Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
- Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
- Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
- Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
- Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign)
- Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
- Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
- Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
- Honorary Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian signed in the offseason and has proven a reliable force in goal, leading the league with five shutouts after Week 9. Her performance against Orlando Pride, facing 11 shots and making four saves against potent attackers like Barbra Banda and Marta, helped secure Kansas City`s top position in the standings.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
This rookie defender had a strong showing in Week 9. Stepping up with defensive partner Kennedy Wesley suspended, the 17-year-old seamlessly integrated with veteran Kristen McNabb to contribute to the shutout against Gotham FC. Her duels were effective, boasting a team-leading 75% success rate.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign)
As Coach Laura Harvey adjusts Seattle`s defense, McClernon has become a key figure on the back line. Her strong positioning helped anticipate and cut out dangerous attacks, covering significant ground and leading defenders with two recoveries.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
Krueger dramatically impacted the Spirit`s chaotic 3-3 draw against Utah after coming on at halftime. Her relentless play from the outside back position fueled attacks and disrupted Utah`s efforts. Capping her performance with the game-tying goal in the final moments was a perfect finish to a wild match.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Sharples is back in the Best XI after another solid defensive display. She was strong in challenges, provided excellent marking, and led the team with five clearances. Her organization was vital for the backline, especially after Alana Cook`s injury substitution.
Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
Kizer was in vintage form during the hectic match against the Spirit. She scored a goal herself and was the key player forcing chaos, notably heading the ball to force an own goal – the fifth goal scored in just 36 minutes.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
The Irish international makes her third straight appearance in the Best XI. Once again, she was the Courage`s midfield engine, both disrupting opponents and linking play, denying the opposition any control in the middle third. She also provided an assist for Manaka Matsukubo`s opening goal.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
Sam Coffey continues to drive the Portland Thorns` strong run of form. The defensive midfielder consistently dictates tempo, and fittingly, she joined the scoresheet in Week 9, converting a penalty and assisting Pietra Tordin`s goal.
Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign)
The rookie class continues to impress, with Dahlien proving a constant challenge for defenders in the final third. She is unafraid to take on players, effective in counterpressing, and active in generating attacks, accounting for three of Seattle`s four total shots.
Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
The Japan international scored her first goals of the season for North Carolina with a breakthrough two-goal performance. This output could signal a turning point for the Courage. The 20-year-old, in her third year, led her team with five shots and created two chances against Chicago.
Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
Tordin earns her first Team of the Week spot after scoring her first NWSL goal. She displayed skill with a first touch flick, beating her defender before turning and finishing. This goal extended the Thorns` lead in a match that saw them stretch their unbeaten streak to five games.
Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
Montoya`s tactical adjustments and player rotation added unpredictability for Bay FC this week. This approach secured a crucial win for a side that hadn`t won in three weeks, and the challenge now is to build consistency.
Honorary Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
Following her emergency heart surgery, defender Savy King was honored. The 20-year-old is now recovering at home, and her situation resonated across the league during an emotional week, reminding everyone that some things are bigger than the game itself.
