The 2025 regular season has officially reached its halfway point, and week 13 provided decisive action before the league enters a long summer break. All 14 clubs had one final opportunity to compete for points ahead of a five-week pause for international tournaments. There were numerous strong individual performances from which to select the Attacking Third Team of the Week.
Throughout the 2025 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts choose a Best XI, head coach, and honorary captain based on standout performances over the weekend. Now that the season is at its midpoint, narrowing down the selection of 11 players from over 300 becomes increasingly challenging.
Take a look at our selection for the Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The goalkeeper leads the league with six clean sheets and ranks second among keepers with at least 11 games this season in save percentage (75.6%). The Brazilian international is arguably one of the best offseason signings for a club in 2025 and has significantly redefined how Kansas City`s defense operates this year. She made a crucial penalty save that secured all three points for the Current.
Defender: Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC)
The significant upcoming break appears perfectly timed for Bay FC as the squad looks to regroup for a playoff push in the second half of the season. While Bay FC works to find their optimal form, Alyssa Malonson has been a consistent presence on the backline, covering ground and winning possession when needed. Although they were on the losing side away against Gotham, it was not due to a lack of effort or a poor individual display, and Malonson supported the team well for extended periods.
“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 returns to our Team of the Week after another exceptional performance, contributing to the Current`s sixth shutout this season. Kayla Sharples has served as both an anchor and a leading voice for Kansas City`s defense, and her consistent play is likely to keep her in contention for Best XI selections.
“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 following a dominant display in week 13. The Spirit have demonstrated their resilience in withstanding waves of attacking pressure, which is a difficult feat in the NWSL. McKeown has frequently led the team`s defensive organization and this week topped the team in total touches (53) and clearances (13). She also showed fearlessness in pushing higher up the pitch from her central defensive position.
Defender: Arin Wright (Racing Louisville FC)
Racing Louisville has won five of their last seven games, and team captain Arin Wright has been a crucial factor in the squad`s recent strong form. She is back on our Team of the Week after showcasing her set-piece abilities, positioning, and scoring with a clinical header.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
Sam Coffey is a repeat feature on our team of the week. The team captain guided her side to another victory through her quick thinking and decisive decision-making on the ball. She delivered the game-winning assist for rookie Pietra Tordin`s goal.
Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC)
It`s not just Arin Wright leading the charge for Racing this season; Taylor Flint is also putting in consistent performances in the midfield. The defensive midfielder leads the team at the halfway mark of the season in tackles, duels, clearances, and interceptions. She has also become their designated penalty kick specialist, scoring her third goal this season, her second from the spot.
Midfielder: Ji So-yun (Seattle Reign FC)
The experienced South Korea international brought skill and flair for Seattle this week, earning her first honor on our Best XI this year. She not only provided an excellent assist in the match against Utah but also clinically finished a shot near the penalty spot inside the box, contributing to Seattle`s convincing road victory.
Forward: Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign)
The Reign scored four goals this week, with two of them coming from 19-year-old Emeri Adames. The young forward displayed composure on her penalty kick conversion and scored another goal from open play. Her performance placed her in the league record books as the second-youngest player to score two goals in a single game.
Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
The Courage have quietly moved closer to the playoff line. Although they are just outside the positions at the break, forward Manaka Matsukubo`s recent form is a significant positive for a squad that could benefit from a short rest. She got on the scoresheet and returned to our Best XI by providing the game-winning assist.
Forward: Bia Zanerrato (Kansas City Current)
If there`s a game on the schedule, Kansas City Current consistently finds a way to win. While Lorena provided defensive heroics, her fellow Brazilian, Bia Zanerrato, scored 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 her team are not only achieving results but doing so with increased confidence. There is a well-documented history of Racing`s struggles to make the playoffs, but they are in excellent form heading into the season`s summer break. The real challenge for Yanez and her squad begins now: maintaining this momentum.
Honorary Captain: Washington Spirit Locker Room
When the Spirit return from the break, Adrian Gonzalez will officially be the Washington Spirit 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 due to his family welcoming a new baby. While Gonzalez got an early start at the helm, this marks the seventh head coaching change for the Spirit since 2021. Despite the frequent changes in leadership, the players have maintained a unified and competitive energy, remaining in playoff contention throughout the first half of the season.
