The 2025 NWSL regular season is progressing rapidly, nearing its midway point. Week 12 brought significant action as teams competed fiercely for points ahead of the upcoming summer break. Individual performances across the league, from top-tier clubs to those lower in the standings, were crucial. This is where the Attacking Third`s Team of the Week selections highlight those standout efforts.
Following each week`s matches throughout the 2025 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts choose a best XI and a coach based on impressive performances from the weekend. While some players frequently appear on our list – familiar faces from Orlando, Kansas City, and San Diego, for example – this week also includes individuals representing clubs less commonly featured in our selections.
Here is our selection for the Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride)
Looking even better than last season when she helped the Pride secure the Shield and NWSL Championship, Anna Moorehouse is a force to be reckoned with. She has been vital to Orlando`s successful run, particularly in closely contested matches, providing a calm presence in goal that allows her teammates to stay composed. Moorehouse leads all goalkeepers in save percentage (82.2%) and is tied for the lead in clean sheets (five).
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)
The Mexican international was key to Portland`s defensive pressure this week, making things difficult for the visiting Washington Spirit. Reyna Reyes led her team in total touches (64) and was a constant option for midfielders, helping the Thorns control play and keep the Spirit pinned back for extended periods. Whether covering extensive areas, challenging opponents in duels, or winning aerial battles, Reyes consistently appeared wherever her team needed her.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Another week, another Kansas City Current defender earns a spot on our Best XI. Kayla Sharples is a frequent inclusion for her role in helping the Current withstand late attacking pushes. Her imposing presence in the backline and proactive approach to shutting down opposition attacks are consistently evident. This week, she led the squad with eight clearances, contributing significantly to Kansas City`s elite defensive record.
Defender: Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)
The reigning 2024 Defender of the Year is having another stellar season for the Pride and returns to our Best XI thanks to her determined play and ability to halt opponents` speed. She led her team in touches (91) and demonstrated comfort distributing the ball from the back. When not initiating play, she was shutting down attacks, leading the team in tackles (five).
Defender: Cori Dyke (Orlando Pride)
Following up her game-winning performance last week, Cori Dyke delivered another solid effort in Week 12. Although she didn`t score this time, her impact was felt through her defensive work on the right flank, which made it difficult for opposing attackers to penetrate. She led the team with 10 clearances, helping Orlando secure a shutout.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
As the 2025 season approaches its halfway point, a clear frontrunner for Midfielder of the Year hasn`t emerged, but Sam Coffey is definitely a strong contender. She consistently led the team on the field, winning possession and directing the flow of play. After yet another performance mirroring her usual high standards, the 2025 Thorns squad truly reflects Sam Coffey`s influence.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
Speaking of end-of-year award candidates, Kenza Dali could be considered a front-runner at this stage of the season. The France international was ubiquitous for the Wave this week, leading the team in touches (80) and setting the tone by opening the scoring just 17 minutes into the match. Attacking Third analyst Lisa Carlin commented, “`This Wave side is so unstoppable, and she is at the turning point of every single play they do,`… `Every single moment they go forward and get into their attack, the creativity just stems 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. This week, that distinction belongs to Courage midfielder Briana Pinto for her game-winning contribution off the bench. Entering late in the game with only three touches, she scored the decisive goal at the death, ensuring the Courage remain within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Forward: Ludmilla (Chicago Stars FC)
The Brazilian international delivered a crucial performance for the struggling Stars with two early goals. While the team couldn`t maintain the lead, she was undeniably the reason NWSL highlight reels once again featured backflip celebrations this season.
Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
The Spain international has reclaimed the lead in the 2025 NWSL Golden Boot race with a league-high nine goals, thanks to her efforts in Week 12. She ended a personal scoring drought and Gotham`s three-game losing streak by netting her fourth brace of the season.
Forward: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Staying firmly in the Golden Boot conversation with eight goals is Barbra Banda after scoring the game-winner in Week 12. Regardless of the minute, if Banda is on the field, she represents a constant threat to change the game`s outcome.
Coach: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
Andonovski`s last appearance on our weekly Best XI was in Week 3, an absence that feels too long given the Current`s achievements this season. As the team approaches the midway point, they sit atop the league standings, boasting lethal threats across all areas of the pitch, from Lorena in goal to Temwa Chawinga up front. Holding the No. 1 spot is a significant feat, and the team`s continued success will largely depend on the coaching staff`s management moving forward.
Captain: NWSL Supporters Groups
As the league and its clubs host themed nights, NWSL supporters groups are ensuring that celebratory moments are used to their fullest potential. During times when visible celebrations of Pride Month might be less prominent, supporters groups are stepping up to fill that gap. With the country currently experiencing protests against the presidential administration, and NWSL clubs issuing statements supporting immigrant communities, in-game initiatives led by these groups have been crucial in recognizing marginalized communities.
