NWSL Week 13: Attacking Third’s Team of the Week

The 2025 NWSL regular season has reached its midpoint, with Week 13 delivering significant action before the league takes a lengthy summer pause. All 14 clubs had their final opportunity to earn points ahead of a five-week break for international tournaments. This week saw numerous standout performances, providing plenty of candidates for Attacking Third`s Team of the Week.

Following each week`s matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts select the Best XI players, along with a head coach and honorary captain, based on their exceptional performances over the weekend. Now that the season is halfway complete, narrowing down the top 11 players from over 300 becomes an even more challenging task.

Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)

This goalkeeper leads the league with six clean sheets and ranks second in save percentage (75.6%) among keepers who have played at least 11 games this season. The Brazilian international is arguably one of the most impactful offseason signings of the 2025 season, fundamentally changing how Kansas City`s defense operates this year. She notably made a crucial penalty save to secure all three points for the Current.

Defender: Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC)

The upcoming break might be perfectly timed for Bay FC to regroup and prepare for a playoff push in the second half of the season. While the team works on finding its rhythm, Alyssa Malonson has been a picture of consistency on the backline, diligently covering ground and winning the ball when needed. Although Bay FC suffered a loss on the road against Gotham this week, it wasn`t due to a lack of effort or a poor showing from Malonson, who significantly aided the team during long stretches of play.

“I think Bay FC played really well against Gotham, and I think [Malonson], her one interception, when she reads the game, wins the ball back, intercepts and plays in. That`s just Mallinson in a nutshell,” said former Scotland international Jen Beattie on Attacking Third.

Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)

Kayla Sharples earns another spot on our Team of the Week following another exceptional performance as the Current secured their sixth shutout of the season. Sharples has consistently served as both an anchor and a leading voice for Kansas City`s defense, and her steady play suggests she will remain a frequent presence on our Best XI list.

“Sharples for me has gone from strength to strength. I think her on the ball, especially playing out the back, that was why she was brought to Bay last season. I think she`s gone on next level with the Current this year,” Beattie explained.

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

Tara McKeown makes a repeat appearance in our Best XI after a dominant showing in Week 13. The Spirit demonstrated resilience in absorbing waves of attacking pressure, a significant challenge in the NWSL. McKeown frequently spearheaded the team`s defensive organization. This week, she led the team in total touches (53) and clearances (13), showing fearlessness in pushing higher up the pitch from her central defensive role.

Defender: Arin Wright (Racing Louisville FC)

Racing Louisville has won five of their last seven matches, and team captain Arin Wright has been a pivotal figure in the squad`s recent strong form. She returns to our team of the week after showcasing her skills on set pieces, solid positioning, and scoring with a clinical header.

Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)

Sam Coffey is another repeat selection for our Team of the Week. The team captain guided the Thorns to another victory through her quick thinking and decisive play on the ball. She provided the game-winning assist for rookie Pietra Tordin`s goal.

Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC)

Taylor Flint, alongside Arin Wright, has been instrumental in Racing Louisville`s success this season, consistently delivering strong performances in the midfield. The defensive midfielder leads the team in key stats at the halfway point: tackles, duels, clearances, and interceptions. She has also become their go-to penalty kick specialist, scoring her third goal of the season this week, her second from the spot.

Midfielder: Ji So-yun (Seattle Reign FC)

The South Korea international brought experience and flair to Seattle`s performance this week, earning her first spot on our Best XI this year. She not only provided an excellent assist in the match against Utah but also perfectly executed a shot from near the penalty spot inside the box, contributing to Seattle`s decisive road win.

Forward: Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign)

The Reign scored four goals this week, with 19-year-old Emeri Adames netting two of them. The young forward demonstrated maturity by converting her penalty kick and also scored from open play. Her performance entered the league`s record books as she became the second-youngest player to score two goals in a single game.

Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)

The Courage have quietly climbed back towards the playoff positions, and while they are just outside the line at the break, forward Manaka Matsukubo`s recent form is a significant positive for a team that could benefit from a short rest. She got on the scoresheet and returned to our Best XI by delivering the game-winning assist.

Forward: Bia Zanerrato (Kansas City Current)

When Kansas City Current has a game scheduled, they simply find a way to win. While Lorena provided heroic saves in defense, her fellow Brazilian, Bia Zanerrato, delivered the game-winning goal, ensuring the Current continue to look as dangerous as ever.

Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)

With five wins in their last seven matches, head coach Bev Yanez and the Racing squad are not only getting results but doing so with noticeable confidence. Much has been said about Racing`s historical struggles to break into the playoff places, but they are in excellent form heading into the season`s summer break. Now, the real challenge begins for Yanez and her team.

Honorary Captain: Washington Spirit Locker Room

When the Spirit return from the break, Adrian Gonzalez will officially take over as head coach. Former manager Jonatan Giraldez`s departure to OL Lyon was announced earlier in June but occurred a few weeks ahead of schedule as he was absent for his final two Spirit games following the birth of his child. As Gonzalez got an early start at the helm, this marks the seventh head coaching change for the Spirit since 2021. Despite this constant turnover in leadership, the players have maintained a unified and competitive spirit, remaining firmly in playoff contention throughout the first half of the season.