The NWSL 2025 regular season continues its progression, with teams demonstrating tighter competition after the ninth week of play. As the league approaches the midpoint of the season, the Attacking Third Team of the Week is back to recognize top performers.
Following each week`s matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts carefully select a Best XI lineup and a Coach based on their standout performances over the weekend.
With Week 9 concluding, several new faces have earned a spot in our Best XI. While some players make repeat appearances, the competitive parity across the league is clear well past the quarter mark of the season, allowing different players to shine and feature in our weekly selection.
Here is the Attacking Third Best XI for NWSL Week 9:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian goalkeeper, signed in the offseason, has proven to be a reliable presence in goal through nine matches this year. The 28-year-old leads the league in shutouts after securing her fifth clean sheet of the season against the Orlando Pride. This was a challenging task against formidable attackers like Barbra Banda and Marta, but she made four saves from 11 shots faced, helping Kansas City maintain their first-place lead at the top of the standings.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
This rookie defender continues to be a strong presence on San Diego`s backline and delivered another impressive performance in Week 9. With her centerback partner Kennedy Wesley serving a red card suspension, the 17-year-old quickly established chemistry alongside veteran Kristen McNabb and contributed to keeping a clean sheet against Gotham FC. She was effective in her defensive duels, leading the team with a 75% success rate.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign)
As Seattle head coach Laura Harvey works to refine defensive tactics for the squad, McClernon has rapidly become a key figure on the Reign`s back line. She excels at anticipating dangerous attacks by covering significant ground with her positioning and led defenders in recoveries (two) this week.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
While some players require a full match to make an impact, others only need a half, and Krueger delivered a relentless performance for the Spirit during a wild six-goal draw against Utah. Krueger`s substitution at halftime entirely shifted the momentum of the match; the outside back was constantly involved in attacking plays and effectively disrupted Utah`s attempts. Scoring the game`s equalizer in the final moments capped off a chaotic and impactful display.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Sharples earns Best XI honors again after another solid performance on the back line. She stepped into challenges effectively and did a good job marking opponents. She led the team in clearances (five) and helped the defense stay organized after a significant injury substitution for Alana Cook.
Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
Kizer showcased some excellent form during the action-packed match against the Spirit. Not only did she score a goal for the Royals, but she also played a key role in the chaos by jumping and heading the ball to force an own goal, which was the fifth score within just 36 minutes of the match.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
This marks a third consecutive appearance for the Irish international on our Best XI. Another week saw the midfielder act as both a defensive enforcer and a creative connector for the Courage, giving the opposition no opportunities to control the middle third of the field. She also provided an assist on Manaka Matsukubo`s opening goal.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
The Thorns continue their strong run of form, with Sam Coffey driving the team`s midfield. The defensive midfielder is a constant influence on maintaining the team`s tempo, and they consistently find different goal scorers each week. Coffey joined the scoring list in Week 9 by converting a penalty kick and providing an assist on Pietra Tordin`s goal.
Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign)
The rookie class continues to deliver impressive performances, and Dahlien is making it increasingly difficult for opposing defenders to contain her in the final third. She is confident in taking on defenders and is effective in counterpressing while also generating attacks. She was responsible for three of Seattle`s four total shot attempts in the match.
Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
The Japan international finally got on the scoreboard for North Carolina this season, and her breakthrough two-goal game could potentially be a turning point for the team. The 20-year-old, in her third year with the Courage, led the team in total shots (five) and created two scoring chances against Chicago.
Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
First goal, first team of the week honors for the Thorns rookie. She demonstrated her skillset with a clever flick on the ball for her first touch, effectively shaking off her defender before turning to take her shot. The goal extended the Thorns` lead, and Portland didn`t look back, stretching their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
Changing up tactics and player rotation provided Bay FC with an added layer of unpredictability this week. This was a significant achievement for a side that hadn`t secured a win in three weeks. The focus now will be on finding a consistent path forward based on this performance.
Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
Following a week where hearts and minds across the league were with defender Savy King after her emergency heart surgery, the center back`s presence was significantly felt throughout matchweek nine. The 20-year-old is now recovering at home, and players and teams across the league navigated another emotional week, serving as a reminder that sometimes, things are bigger than soccer.
