Following the international break, the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) returned for its fourth week of regular season action, bringing with it the announcement of the Attacking Third Team of the Week. Throughout the 2025 season, Attacking Third will continue to recognize the top 11 players each week, highlighting exceptional performances from the weekend`s games.
Attacking Third analysts will also select a Coach of the Week. These honors can go to players and coaches from any team, even those who performed well in games that didn`t result in a win.
The season is still young, but Week 4 showcased impressive individual performances after the international window. Fans should watch for players regaining their form after national team duties.
Here is the Best XI for Week 4:
Forwards
Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC): Thompson delivered a stellar performance for Angel City after returning from international duty with the USWNT. She scored a goal and provided an assist against Houston, securing three vital points. Thompson is proving to be Angel City`s most valuable player and a contender for league-wide honors.
Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC): Fresh off representing Spain and scoring in the UEFA Women`s Nations League, Gonzalez netted two goals in Gotham FC`s 3-1 victory over North Carolina. This marks her first goals for the club after four weeks, and her strong defensive work rate complemented her attacking contributions.
Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC): The Brazilian international turned on the style, scoring twice for the struggling Stars. Ludmila`s two goals provided the spark Chicago needed, leading to their first win of the season.
Midfielders
Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit): Santos, an attacking midfielder, scored a beautiful free-kick, securing a crucial insurance goal for the Spirit in their away win against Louisville. She has been a consistent offensive threat for Washington, alongside Ashley Hatch, as other attacking players return from injury.
Hina Sugita (Portland Thorns FC): Sugita`s ability to win possession and distribute effectively has been vital for the Thorns midfield as they develop their rhythm early in the season. While Reilyn Turner is emerging as a top scorer, Sugita provides crucial link-up play and controls the tempo of games.
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha`s fourth consecutive Team of the Week selection strengthens her case for early MVP consideration. Leading the league in chances created (15), she also scored her third goal of the season in Kansas City`s fourth straight win. She is currently tied for second in the Golden Boot race with teammate Temwa Chawinga.
Defenders
Lilly Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender continued her strong start, scoring her first professional goal this weekend. She was actively involved in attacking plays and demonstrated excellent vision in her passing to forwards. Reale led the team in attempted crosses (5) and recoveries (8) in Gotham`s first win of the season.
Emily Sams (Orlando Pride): Sams is establishing herself as one of the most consistent defenders in the league. After not playing minutes with the national team, she returned to Orlando and immediately impacted their defense, leading the team with 9 recoveries as Orlando secured their fourth consecutive victory.
Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC): Staab`s comeback from an Achilles injury last year remains impressive. Her contributions were key to Chicago`s first win of the year. Staab`s presence strengthens Chicago`s defense, and her long passes provide an added dimension to their attack.
Trinity Armstrong (San Diego FC): Another impressive rookie in Week 4, Armstrong made the most of her first start for San Diego. The 17-year-old had the second-highest tackle success rate (66.7%) and made 3 clearances in her 76 minutes against Kansas City Current.
Goalkeeper
Bella Bixby (Portland Thorns FC): Bixby marked a significant comeback with a shutout against Utah. Returning to the goal for the first time since giving birth last July, she faced numerous crosses, shots, and corners. Her strong performance could lead to more playing time.
Coach
Sam Laity (Angel City FC): A long-time NWSL coach, Laity, now interim manager for Angel City, is implementing a `play the kids` approach. Giving younger players more opportunities is proving successful early in the season, contributing to wins and suggesting this strategy should continue.
