The second week of the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season showcased exciting matchups, with several games pitting last year`s playoff contenders against each other. These early games provided a potential preview of the 2025 playoffs and established the tone among the league`s top teams. As some teams earned their first points, others are emerging as surprise contenders or staging impressive comebacks.
Former semifinalist teams delivered captivating performances. Gotham FC suffered a 0-2 defeat in their home opener against Orlando Pride, the reigning NWSL Shield and Championship winners. Conversely, Kansas City Current celebrated a 2-0 away victory against Washington Spirit, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup champions, in their home opener. Unsurprisingly, several players from Pride and Current are featured in this week`s Best XI.
Throughout the 2025 regular season, Attacking Third will announce a weekly team of the week, recognizing 11 of the best players from the weekend`s matches.
Despite the season still being in its early stages, fans can watch selected NWSL regular season games on CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Forwards
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Despite not scoring, Banda was a dominant force on the field against Gotham FC. Her constant presence and relentless play kept the defense under pressure throughout the game, even when scoring opportunities were limited.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): Chawinga`s quest for another NWSL Golden Boot is well underway. She scored a goal in her team`s 3-1 win over Washington Spirit. Her dynamic movement and sharp finishing ability, especially late in matches, are crucial to her team`s success and unbeaten start to the season, confirming her excellent early form.
Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC): The French international had an outstanding game, providing an assist and consistently challenging defenders. In addition to creating chances for her teammates, she actively pressed opponents to regain possession.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): The Brazilian international delivered another impressive all-around performance in week two. She led the team in chances created (five), and was second in total shots and shots on target (three each), consistently contributing to the team`s attacking play.
Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL player scored a goal from a penalty and celebrated with another memorable goal celebration. She significantly contributed to disrupting opposition attacks and led her team in ball recoveries (eight).
Ally Watt (Orlando Pride): While her position in the Best XI could be debated given her attacking prowess, Opta lists her as a right attacking midfielder, hence her inclusion here. Beyond her attempts to shoot or cross, she was also focused on winning back possession for Orlando.
Defenders
Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): Sharples has provided stability to the Current`s defense since joining last year. She appears to be the long-term partner for Alana Cook in central defense, and was second on the team in clearances (eight) and duels won (three).
Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC): Sonnett`s organizational skills in defense indicate that Gotham will be a tough and well-organized team to play against. She effectively connects passes during possession and actively wins back the ball. She led defenders in ball recoveries (four) against Orlando Pride.
Rafaelle (Orlando Pride): As Rafaelle regains consistent playing time, she proves to be a valuable asset to the Pride`s defense when healthy. Despite playing only 45 minutes, she was second on the team in clearances (seven).
Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC): The second-year Reign defender earned a spot in the Best XI mainly due to her offensive contributions. Bugg scored a remarkable first professional goal from nearly 40 yards out and was second on the team in clearances (five).
Goalkeeper
Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride): The English international makes another appearance in the Best XI after securing another clean sheet in week two. She faced numerous crosses (20) and shots (15), making four saves to maintain Orlando`s shutout streak.
