The 2025 NWSL regular season is nearing its conclusion, with only seven match weeks left. Time is running out for teams vying for a playoff spot. Week 19 highlighted the league`s competitive balance, as lower-ranked teams secured victories and points against clubs in the top half of the standings. This shift in momentum is attributed to exceptional performances across the league, making it the perfect time to unveil another Team of the Week.
Following each weekend`s fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts carefully select a Team of the Week, a head coach, and an honorary captain, recognizing outstanding performances.
Here`s a look at our Best XI for Week 19:
Goalkeeper: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash)
While many goalkeepers delivered epic performances this week, including highlight-reel saves and penalty stops, the honors go to Jane Campbell. The veteran Dash keeper, who has shared minutes with Abby Smith this season, secured a crucial clean sheet against San Diego, reaffirming her long-standing role as Houston`s starting goalkeeper.
Defender: Bruninha (Gotham FC)
Brazilian international Bruninha earns Team of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. She and rookie Lily Reale are quietly emerging as Gotham`s promising fullback pairing. The outside back covers immense ground defensively and actively contributes to Gotham FC`s attacks as the season progresses, leading all defenders with 11 duels won against Angel City FC.
“She`s just got `rizz,` she`s a cheat code,” Attacking Third analyst Satara Murray commented. “She`s out here nutmegging people left, right, and center. So, I`m sitting there thinking, `Okay, she`s doing this as a fullback?` I`m here for it.”
Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
Center-back Sam Staab made history by scoring the inaugural goal at the Stars` new home ground, Northwestern Medical Field at Martin Stadium.
Defender: Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Even when the Washington Spirit must manage player minutes due to heavy match loads, their backline consistently finds someone to step up, and in Week 19, that player was defender Esme Morgan. The England international played a crucial role in the club`s clean sheet performance against Seattle Reign.
“She`s just someone who is very consistent… I love a defender that can just keep it simple, put somebody on their behind a time or two, and just wins their challenges, and that`s what Esme did in my opinion for 90 minutes,” Murray remarked about Morgan`s Week 19 display.
Defender: Paige Nielsen (Houston Dash)
Several Houston Dash players have made it onto our weekly honor roll, and this time, defender Paige Nielsen joins the list. The center-back delivered consistent performances, literally putting her body on the line to help secure a clean sheet against San Diego in Week 19.
“In her last four starts, she`s had 25 clearances, 10 interceptions, she`s scored a goal, and today once again she showed she can step up and lock things down back there,” Christine Cupo noted on Attacking Third.
Midfielder: Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC)
A holding midfielder who can both disrupt play and score spectacular goals? That perfectly describes Gotham FC`s Jaelin Howell. The club is finally securing crucial wins, and Howell`s powerful shot from just outside the box, which rattled the crossbar, felt like a pivotal moment for the squad in their pursuit of another playoff berth.
Midfielder: Julia Grosso (Chicago Stars FC)
Chicago Stars midfielder Julia Grosso can now add an assist, a goal, and Team of the Week honors to her Week 19 accomplishments. The Canadian international was a vital link-up player for Chicago against Orlando, with her decisive cut-and-shoot moves in the box extending Chicago`s lead.
Midfielder: Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)
The Colombian international has managed a demanding schedule this year, balancing club and country commitments, but her return to the starting lineup was perfectly timed. She delivered a sublime lob assist for Rodman`s opening goal.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga requires minimal space or time to make an impact. If she gets on the ball, it usually spells trouble for defenders. She scored her 12th goal of the season, taking the lead in the Golden Boot race and fueling ongoing MVP discussions.
Forward: Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Securing the return of one of the league`s top forwards for the second half of the season is significant, but having Trinity Rodman back is on another level entirely. The winger is visibly gaining confidence with increased minutes following a back injury, and scoring a brace is an impressive return to form.
Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
Fresh off her Player of the Month honors for August, Brazilian international Ludmila remains a focal point for September. She notched her 10th goal of the season, adding further excitement to the NWSL Golden Boot race.
Coach: Fabrice Gautrat (Houston Dash)
Whether it`s the midseason break or the Houston heat, the Houston Dash are currently a formidable opponent for any team aspiring to a postseason spot. Head coach Fabrice Gautrat has cultivated a cohesive unit, and their impressive six-game unbeaten streak is certainly not to be underestimated.
Honorary Captain: Alex Morgan
Some players leave a fleeting impression, while others leave an eternal legacy. Both on and off the pitch, Alex Morgan has always been, and continues to be, a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations to her on having her No. 13 jersey retired by San Diego Wave FC, and a heartfelt thank you for forever changing the game.
