Week three of the 2025 NWSL season showcased extended winning streaks for several teams, making it challenging to select the best individual performances for our weekly top eleven. Throughout the season, Attacking Third will announce a team of the week, recognizing 11 of the best players from each weekend`s matches. Attacking Third analysts will carefully evaluate numerous performances each week to choose the top players and coach, even considering strong performances from players on losing teams.
While it`s still early in the long season that extends into October, week three indicated which teams are starting to separate themselves from the competition.
Here`s a look at our Best XI for week three:
Forwards
Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current): Cooper demonstrated complete player skills in week three. She scored a goal and provided an assist against Utah, leading her team with three successful dribbles. Her two total shots, one shot on target, and one chance created were among the team`s top five stats after their third consecutive victory. Cooper is undeniably a top player.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, Chawinga continues to outpace defenders. The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is a constant threat, both with and without the ball. Her shooting, scoring ability, and pressing make her a consistent contender for our team of the week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals to secure the victory ahead of national team camp call-ups. Her excellent performance came at a perfect time.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha earns her third consecutive spot on our team of the week. The Brazilian international consistently delivers strong attacking performances and scored her second goal of the season in week three. She appears highly motivated, possibly due to her absence from Brazil`s April roster despite leading the league in chances created with 14.
Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): Known for her hard work and ball-winning skills, McCutcheon can now add goal scorer to her resume. Her impressive dedication to winning the ball back, even during transitions, is notable. She scored her second goal of the season and led the Pride with seven recoveries in their third straight win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): The French international has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL. Her impact for the Wave has been immediate, evident in her active pressing and connections with teammates in the final third. Despite a loss to Orlando, Dali contributed an assist to Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins commented, “Dali was dominant in midfield. Her penetrating passes, her connection with McCaskill – who is also back in form – and her assists are top-level. We`re seeing the prime form she displays with France, and it`s fantastic to witness it stateside.”
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was dynamic for Angel City in week three. The outside back covered significant ground and was consistently involved in attacking plays up the field. She led the team with three successful dribbles and was strong in challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown was crucial in the Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. Working effectively with center-back partners Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan, she demonstrated key awareness during team transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook was a defensive force in the Current`s third consecutive victory. She led the team with four tackles and provided essential organization to the backline.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender delivered a strong response after her first professional start. Despite an own goal in week two, she was a significant asset in week three, helping Gotham manage momentum shifts. The rookie ranked second on the team with four completed crosses.
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC): The Australian international was outstanding against North Carolina Courage, facing 28 crosses during 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, showing both lethal attacking prowess and solid defensive organization. The team is off to an even stronger start than last season.
