NWSL Week 12 Standout Performers

The 2025 NWSL regular season is nearing its midpoint, and Week 12 brought plenty of excitement as teams fought for crucial points before the summer break. Regardless of whether they were from top clubs or lower-ranked sides, individual efforts made a significant impact. This is where Attacking Third`s team of the week selections highlight those standout performances.

Following each weekend`s matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts pick a top XI players and a coach based on their performances. While some players frequently appear on this list (like those from Orlando, Kansas City, and San Diego), others represent clubs less often featured.

Here`s a look at the Best XI from Week 12:

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride)

This goalkeeper appears to be performing even better than last season, when she helped the Pride win the Shield and the NWSL Championship. Anna Moorehouse has been crucial to Orlando`s successful run, especially in close matches, providing a calming presence in goal that helps her teammates stay composed. She leads all goalkeepers in save percentage (82.2%) and is tied for the most clean sheets (five).

Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)

The Mexican international was key in applying pressure this week as Portland made things tough for the visiting Washington Spirit. Reyna Reyes had the most touches for her club (64) and frequently offered an option for her midfielders as they dominated possession. Whether covering ground, challenging opponents, or winning aerial duels, Reyes was exactly where the team needed her to be.

Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)

Another week, another Kansas City Current defender makes our Best XI. Kayla Sharples is a familiar name here, returning for her efforts in supporting the Current during late attacking pushes. She provides a formidable presence at the back, often showing initiative in breaking down opposing attacks. This week, she led the squad in clearances (eight), helping keep Kansas City`s defense elite.

Defender: Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)

The 2024 Defender of the Year is having another excellent season with the Pride and is back on our Best XI thanks to her determined play and ability to stop pacey attackers. She led the team in touches (91) and was comfortable dictating play from the back. When not building the attack, she was shutting down opponents, leading the group in tackles (five).

Defender: Cori Dyke (Orlando Pride)

After scoring the game-winning goal last week, Cori Dyke delivered another reliable performance in Week 12. Although she didn`t score this time, her impact was felt strongly on the right flank, making it difficult for opposing attackers to break through. She led the team in clearances (10), contributing significantly to Orlando`s shutout victory.

Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)

As the midpoint of the 2025 season approaches, there might not be a single clear leader for Midfielder of the Year, but Sam Coffey is definitely a strong contender. She consistently led her team on the field, winning possession and guiding others. After another display typical of her week-in, week-out performances, it`s clear the 2025 Thorns team is built around Sam Coffey.

Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)

Speaking of potential end-of-year award winners, Kenza Dali could be a front-runner at this stage. The French international was influential all over the pitch for the Wave this week, leading the team in touches (80). She also opened the scoring just 17 minutes into the match, immediately setting a positive tone for San Diego.

`This Wave team is so effective, and she is at the heart of every play they create,` said Attacking Third analyst Lisa Carlin. `Every time they push forward into attack, the creativity originates from her.`

Midfielder: Briana Pinto (North Carolina Courage)

Sometimes a player`s impact is so significant that it doesn`t require a full 90 minutes on the field. This week, that honor goes to Courage midfielder Briana Pinto for her game-winning contribution off the bench. Coming on late as a substitute, she had just three touches, but one of them was the game-winner right at the end. Thanks to her effort, the Courage remain close to the playoff positions.

Forward: Ludmilla (Chicago Stars FC)

The Brazilian international delivered a big performance for the struggling Stars with two early goals. While her team couldn`t hold onto the lead, she is undoubtedly the reason NWSL highlight reels once again feature backflip celebrations this season.

Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)

The Spain international is back atop the 2025 NWSL Golden Boot race with a league-leading nine goals, achieved through her efforts in Week 12. She ended a personal scoring drought and Gotham`s three-game losing streak with another two-goal performance – her fourth brace of the season.

Forward: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

Barbra Banda remains in the Golden Boot conversation with eight goals after scoring the game-winner in Week 12. No matter what stage the match is in, if Banda is on the field, she poses a constant threat to change the outcome.

Coach: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)

Andonovski last appeared on our weekly Best XI in Week 3, which feels like too long given his team`s achievements so far. As they approach the season`s halfway point, they are the league`s top team, possessing potent options in every area, from goalkeeper Lorena to forward Temwa Chawinga. Being number one is difficult, and their future success will depend on how the coaching staff manages the team moving forward.

Captain: NWSL Supporters Groups

While the league and its clubs host themed nights, NWSL supporters groups are ensuring these occasions are used to genuinely honor significant moments. During times where visible celebration of Pride Month might be less prominent, supporters groups are actively making sure it happens. In the context of wider protests and NWSL clubs expressing support for immigrant communities, in-game initiatives driven by supporters are stepping up to recognize marginalized populations.