As the 2025 NWSL regular season reached its quarter mark, the Attacking Third Team of the Week returns. Following each week`s matches during the campaign, analysts compile a Best XI and select a Coach based on the weekend`s most notable individual performances.
With teams progressing towards the season`s midpoint, consistent top performers are starting to appear frequently in the lineup. You can also review selections from previous weeks.
Seven weeks of matches have now concluded.
Here is the Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC)
The veteran goalkeeper achieved her first clean sheet of the season against a strong Gotham FC. Naeher stopped five of the 15 shots she faced, highlighted by a critical goalline save deep in stoppage time.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
The center-back was a key anchor in the three-player defense against one of the league`s top attacking sides. A consistent starter for the Reign`s defense all season, her performance in limiting Kansas City`s numerous attempts (13 shots) in Week 7 was particularly vital.
Defender: Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
Kayla Sharples has become a stable presence in Kansas City`s defense. The center back provides added security alongside Alana Cook and is effective during set piece plays. She demonstrated her aerial ability with an easy header over opponents in the box during Week 5. *Note: The original article text under this heading describes a different player.*
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave FC)
The 17-year-old rookie is growing in confidence with each start for San Diego`s defense, playing alongside second-year defender Kennedy Wesley. She effectively neutralized significant attacks from regional rivals Bay FC and scored her inaugural professional goal, a crucial game-winner late in the match.
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)
Reyes made a decisive contribution for the Thorns in Week 7, scoring the game-winning goal against the defending champions, Orlando Pride. She has established herself as a dependable player in the Thorns` defense early this season. The outside back executed her run effectively, holding position at the edge of the box to secure the winning strike.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
The French international is consistently featured in the Team of the Week. This performance saw the experienced midfielder effectively disrupt opposing plays and create clever spaces for her team. San Diego`s continued success is significantly linked to Dali`s impactful midfield play.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
The long-standing Courage captain has played a crucial role in guiding North Carolina back to form. The Irish international is orchestrating the team`s play, facilitating connections and stabilizing possession effectively.
Midfielder: Katie Zelem (Angel City FC)
The English international provides vital experience within a youthful and performing Angel City squad. Whether anchoring the midfield alongside Alana Kennedy or showing clinical ability with increased starts, she has quickly become key to balancing the team`s younger players with veteran presence.
Forward: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC)
The U.S. women`s national team forward scored the decisive goal in only her third start for Seattle. Having joined in the offseason, the experienced league player has been progressively returning to regular starting roles. Her contribution has been immediate, proving effective in counterpressing and creating space for teammates within coach Laura Harvey`s tactics.
Forward: Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
The Rookie of the Year competition is intensifying just seven weeks into the season, and the Angel City forward is in excellent form, making her first appearance on the Team of the Week. She has scored four goals in five matches, becoming the match hero with a stoppage-time game-winner.
Forward: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
Ashley Sanchez is a significant factor as the Courage seek consistent form. While potentially seen as an attacking midfielder, in her sixth league season, she is an experienced player capable of influencing games, as demonstrated in Week 7. Utilized both as a starter and substitute, her health makes her a key player for the Courage going forward.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Navigating not one, but two lightning delays, earns Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez Coach of the Week honors. She successfully kept her team focused and composed during their away match in Houston, particularly through a delay that lasted nearly two hours. The resulting victory secures two consecutive positive results for a team that faced challenges in the season`s opening quarter.
