Week three of the 2025 NWSL season brought continued winning streaks and impressive individual performances, making the weekly Best XI selection challenging. Attacking Third analysts will choose a Team of the Week throughout the season, recognizing 11 top players from each weekend`s matches and a leading coach. They will consider standout performances even from losing teams.
The season is a marathon, extending into October, and week three indicated which teams are starting to pull ahead.
Here`s the Best XI:
Forwards
Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current): Cooper demonstrated all-around excellence in week three, scoring and assisting against Utah, while leading the team in successful dribbles. Her shot and chance creation stats are among the team`s best as they secured their third straight victory. Cooper is a true standout player.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, reigning Golden Boot winner Chawinga continues to outpace defenders. Her constant threat, both with and without the ball, ensures her likely presence in future Teams of the Week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a vintage, game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals to secure victory before joining national team camp. Excellent timing for a stellar showing.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha earns her third consecutive Team of the Week selection. The Brazilian international consistently delivers offensively, scoring her second goal of the season in week three. She seems driven, possibly motivated by her absence from Brazil`s April roster despite leading the league in chances created.
Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): The hardworking midfielder added goal-scorer to her attributes. Her ball-winning tenacity remains impressive, even during defensive transitions. She scored her second goal of the season and topped the team in ball recoveries during the Pride`s third straight win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): The French international has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL, making an immediate impact through active pressing and link-up play in the final third. Despite a loss to Orlando, Dali contributed an assist to Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
`Dali dominated the midfield,` commented Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins. `Her incisive passing, connection with McCaskill, and assist-providing crosses are reminiscent of her prime form with France. It`s fantastic to witness her talent stateside.`
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was dynamic for Angel City in week three. The outside back covered extensive ground and was consistently involved in attacking plays. She led the team in successful dribbles and was strong in defensive challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown played a crucial role in the Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. She worked effectively with center-back partners Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan, demonstrating key awareness in defensive transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook brought defensive solidity to the Current`s third consecutive win. She led the team in tackles and provided crucial organization to the backline.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender rebounded impressively 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 and ranking second on the team in completed crosses.
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC): The Australian international was outstanding against North Carolina Courage, facing 28 crosses and making five saves, including a crucial penalty save against Jaedyn Shaw.
Coach
Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL coach has his team playing confidently and effectively in attack, while maintaining defensive stability. The Current are off to an even stronger start than last season.
