NWSL Team of the Week: Standouts from Matchday 8

As the 2025 NWSL regular season moves past the quarter mark, the weekly selections for the league`s Best XI and Coach of the Week are back. Following weekend fixtures throughout the campaign, analysts choose a top eleven players and a coach based on their standout performances.

With eight weeks completed, some players are making repeat appearances on our Team of the Week, while others are cracking the list for the first time this season.

Goalkeeper: Abby Smith (Houston Dash)

Veteran goalkeeper Abby Smith was given a start in what proved to be a tactical decision for Houston on the road against Seattle. Smith joined Houston as a free agent in the offseason. In post-game comments, head coach Fabrice Gautrat confirmed the change from usual starter and captain Jane Campbell was a healthy switch, praising Smith`s efforts in training. As the team moves beyond the season`s quarter point, they will continue evaluating performances weekly.

The goalkeeper made a crucial late save to preserve Houston`s one-goal advantage in her first regular season start since August 2023. She and the Dash kept a clean sheet against Seattle.

Defender: Perle Morroni (San Diego Wave FC)

The France international covered significant ground against the Portland Thorns, often pushing high up the pitch and contributing heavily to attacking play. The outside back was key to creating offensive opportunities, combining effectively with midfielders Savannah McCaskill and Kenza Dali, and provided the assist for San Diego`s only goal.

Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)

While Chicago continues to face challenges in securing results, Sam Staab`s effort remains constant. The experienced defender has been instrumental in keeping matches competitive for Chicago this season, and in week eight, she demonstrated her attacking prowess. She led the team in touches (71) and found the back of the net against her former team.

As noted by Darian Jenkins, “Back from injury, she`s not just known for a long throw and a powerful left foot, she can finish too. She initiated the play from midfield, played a forward pass, then you see her long stride launch up the field, and she keeps going… There`s a long cross, and she ends up being in the right place at the right time and puts it away for Chicago. So I wanted to give her credit; we don`t have many Chicago players on our list, and she`s earned it.”

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

A common thread for this week`s Best XI defenders is their significant offensive contribution. As a former forward, Tara McKeown is comfortable in attacking link-up play, and this was evident in the match against Chicago on the road.

Defender: Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current)

Another week, another outside back crucial to her team`s attack? That describes Hailie Mace for Kansas City in week eight. The fullback delivered not one but two assists for the Current. While the coaching staff has depth at the back, Mace`s consistent coverage and combination play make her difficult to rotate out of the lineup.

Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC)

Racing Louisville is finally finding its rhythm, and Taylor Flint in midfield is a significant part of their success. The central midfielder scored a spectacular game-winning goal, the only tally of the match, and also led the team in aerial duels (9).

Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)

The Irish international makes another appearance in the Best XI, remaining a consistent, reliable presence for the Courage out of week eight. She was a crucial, stable force as the group made tactical adjustments against a strong Orlando Pride side, demonstrating her ability to execute whatever role is required.

Midfielder: Debinha (Kansas City Current)

Debinha returns to the Best XI after a superb performance against Bay FC. She continues to build her MVP case week after week, and as the season progresses beyond the quarter mark, the Brazilian international seems to be hitting her stride. Whether scoring from open play or from a dead ball situation, she has been clinical through week eight.

Forward: Rosemonde Kouassi (Washington Spirit)

With the Spirit managing injuries on their roster, the return of players is key, and perhaps none more important than the Ivorian international. Acquired mid-season last year, she has worked her way back into form and had a breakout performance against Chicago, contributing a goal, an assist, and creating the pressure that led to an own goal.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

Temwa Chawinga returns to the scoreboard and the Best XI after ending a four-game goalless streak, helping seal the Current`s dominant win over Bay FC. Despite the coaching staff being cautious as the star striker has managed a lingering hip injury, the reigning Golden Boot winner showed her quality in week eight.

Forward: Christen Press (Angel City FC)

While Angel City`s coaching staff focuses on developing young talent and producing exciting games, veteran forward Christen Press highlighted the value of experience and balance in intense matches. She was subbed on for her longest appearance of the season and needed just 20 seconds to impact the game significantly. Her presence was also crucial for the young squad navigating the emotional impact of a medical emergency involving Savy King.

Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)

Coaching through not one, but *two* lightning delays? Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez deserved Coach of the Week honors. She kept her team focused and grounded on the road in Houston, navigating delays including one approaching two hours. The win secures consecutive positive results for a team that struggled in the season`s opening quarter.