The 2025 NWSL regular season has passed the quarter-point, which means Attacking Third`s weekly Team of the Week is back. Following each weekend`s matches, Attacking Third analysts select a Best XI and a coach based on their standout performances.
Eight weeks into the season, some players are making repeat appearances on our team of the week, while others are earning their spot for the first time this year. For context, you can look back at our week seven team selection.
Here is the Best XI and Coach of the Week:
Goalkeeper: Abby Smith (Houston Dash)
Veteran goalkeeper Abby Smith was brought into the lineup for what turned out to be a rather strategic tactical approach by Houston in their away match against Seattle. Smith joined Houston as a free agent during the offseason. In post-game comments, head coach Fabrice Gautrat confirmed that the healthy decision was made to start Smith over the team`s long-standing goalkeeper and captain, Jane Campbell. The manager credited Smith`s effort in training, stating that as the team moves past the quarter mark of the season, they will continue to evaluate their options weekly.
Smith delivered a crucial save late in the game to maintain Houston`s one-goal lead in her first start of the regular season, and her first appearance since August 2023. She and the Dash successfully kept Seattle from scoring.
Defender: Perle Morroni (San Diego Wave FC)
The French international covered a significant amount of ground against the Portland Thorns, often pushing higher up the field and being deeply involved in offensive playmaking. The outside back was key in generating attacking sequences, connecting with midfielders Savannah McCaskill and Kenza Dali, and provided the assist for San Diego`s sole goal.
Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
Chicago continues to find results hard to come by, but that isn`t due to a lack of effort from Sam Staab. The experienced defender has been a vital component in Chicago keeping games competitive this season. In week eight, she displayed her attacking capabilities, leading the team in total touches (71) and getting on the score sheet with a goal against her former club.
As Darian Jenkins noted on Attacking Third, “Back from injury, she doesn`t just have a long throw and a banging left foot, she can put them away too.” Jenkins added, “She started the build-up, she was in the midfield, she played a ball forward, and then you just watch her long stride launch up the field, and she keeps going … There`s a long cross, and 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 a lot of Chicago players on our list, and she`s earned it.”
Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
A common thread among the defenders selected for the Best XI this week is their impact on the offensive side of the game. The former forward is well-versed in collaborative attacking play, and this was clearly visible in the away match against Chicago.
Defender: Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current)
Have you heard this one before? An outside back who was essential to her team`s attack? That perfectly describes Hailie Mace for Kansas City in week eight. The fullback provided not one, but two assists for the Current. While the coaching staff has options on the backline, Mace`s consistent defensive coverage and effective combination play are making it challenging to rotate her out of the lineup.
Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC)
Louisville has finally started to find their rhythm, and a large part of their success is thanks to Taylor Flint in the central midfield. The midfielder scored a spectacular game-winning goal, which was the only tally of the match, and led her team with 9 aerial challenges.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
The Irish international makes another appearance on our Best XI, maintaining her consistent presence for the Courage following week eight. She provided vital reliability as the team adjusted tactically against a tough challenge from Orlando Pride, demonstrating her ability to effectively execute any role assigned to her.
Midfielder: Debinha (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian international is back on our Best XI after a superb performance against Bay FC. She is strengthening her case for MVP week after week. As teams settle in past the season`s quarter-point, Debinha appears to be just ramping up her form. Whether scoring from open play or from a dead ball situation, she has been clinical through week eight.
Forward: Rosemonde Kouassi (Washington Spirit)
As the Spirit deal with roster injuries, many players are working their way back to full fitness, and perhaps none is more significant than the Ivorian international. A midseason acquisition last season, she is regaining her form and had a breakout performance against Chicago, contributing a goal, an assist, and creating just enough chaos to force an own goal.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Finally back on the score sheet and our Best XI after a four-game goalless streak, Chawinga capped off the Current`s dominant victory against Bay FC. The coaching staff has been cautious with the star striker due to a nagging hip injury, but the reigning Golden Boot winner showed no signs of slowing down in week eight.
Forward: Christen Press (Angel City FC)
While the Angel City coaching staff has focused on developing their young stars and delivering exciting games, the veteran forward reminded everyone of the importance of balance across the roster and the value of experience in highly-charged matches. Substituted on in the second half for her longest appearance of the season, she needed just 20 seconds to completely change the game`s trajectory. The young squad also relied on her presence and leadership as they managed the emotions following a medical emergency involving Savy King.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Coaching through not just one, but two lightning delays? We had to award coach of the week honors to Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez. She kept her team focused and composed on the road in Houston, even through one delay that stretched towards two hours. This win secured a second consecutive positive result for a side that struggled during the first quarter of the regular season.
