With only nine weeks remaining in the 2025 NWSL regular season, individual player performances are intensifying. Week 17 delivered more decisive victories than draws, yet still featured plenty of thrilling moments. As multiple teams vie for playoff spots, certain standout players have truly made a difference, earning their place in our NWSL Team of the Week.
Following each week`s NWSL fixtures, Attacking Third analysts carefully select a Best XI, a Head Coach, and an Honorary Captain based on their exceptional weekend displays.
Fans can catch upcoming NWSL regular season matches on various CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Let`s delve into the outstanding individuals who shone brightly during NWSL`s eventful Week 17.
Goalkeeper: Hannah Seabert (Angel City FC)
Hannah Seabert secured her second consecutive clean sheet, earning her first-ever inclusion in the Best XI. Her two shutouts in two starts were crucial for Angel City`s victory, backed by four saves and effectively handling 20 crosses.
Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
While conceding three goals isn`t ideal for a defensive line, Chicago`s determination to clinch a result was a collective effort. Sam Staab played a pivotal role in the Stars` three-goal comeback, providing two assists to Ludmila.
Defender: Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals)
This center-back is proving to be a formidable presence, making Utah a challenging opponent. She was instrumental in neutralizing Gotham FC`s golden boot contender, Esther Gonzalez, and contributing to another clean sheet for the Royals.
Defender: Ellie Wheeler (Kansas City Current)
In a week marked by defensive lapses across the league, it`s fitting that a goal-scoring defender made the cut. The Kansas City Current, already a threat with golden boot leader Temwa Chawinga, now see their defenders contributing goals too. Wheeler`s intelligent, surging run from a set piece and her confident strike were undeniable highlights, earning her a spot in our Best XI.
Defender: Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign)
Defenders stepping up offensively was a recurring theme in Week 17, and Seattle Reign`s fullback Sofia Huerta exemplified this. Operating as a third center-back under coach Laura Harvey`s three-player back system, Huerta set a new league record with her 32nd assist, showcasing her long-standing impact.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit are seeing key players return at a crucial juncture. Midfielder Croix Bethune rejoined the squad before the mid-season break and is already making a significant impact. Bethune scored her first goal since recovering from an eight-month injury.
Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville)
Taylor Flint`s presence on the pitch is unmistakable, not just due to her height. The Louisville central midfielder excels in aerial duels, interceptions, and tackles won. More importantly, she was instrumental in dictating and controlling the team`s tempo, which proved effective against a strong Week 17 opponent.
Analyst Jordan Angeli commented on Attacking Third, “When San Diego transitioned, I thought there were numerous times where she skillfully guided the play into situations where her team had numerical advantage. So, Taylor Flint, once again, delivered a really strong performance.”
Midfielder: Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
For the second consecutive week, 19-year-old midfielder Claire Hutton receives Best XI honors. She demonstrated exceptional skill and composure against one of the season`s most in-form midfields, featuring Thorns players Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita.
Angeli elaborated, “She was a force in that game [against Portland]. Last year, her defensive play was excellent, but she lacked composure on the ball. It now seems she has successfully integrated both aspects of her game.”
Forward: Ludmila (Seattle Reign FC)
The Chicago Stars are now four games unbeaten, a streak largely fueled by a sensational Week 17 performance from Brazilian international Ludmila. Not only did she come off the bench with the Stars trailing by three goals, but she also scored a hat-trick in just 10 minutes, setting a new NWSL record for the fastest three goals in history.
Forward: Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
Angel City had been winless since May 9th, but that changed thanks to a decisive finish from forward Alyssa Thompson. The striker skillfully navigated the box before powerfully striking home the game-winning goal.
Forward: Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC)
Few players work harder than Bay FC`s Rachael Kundananji. Despite being second in the league for total shots (58), she had only one goal to her name until she added another during Bay FC`s historic match at Oracle Park.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville)
This marks another Best XI recognition for Racing Louisville head coach Bev Yanez, and if her club continues its winning ways, it certainly won`t be her last. Louisville`s second year under Yanez has felt distinctly different throughout the season, and with a playoff berth within reach, something truly special could be unfolding.
Honorary Captain: Bay FC ownership group
Achieving an attendance record in your inaugural 2024 season and then surpassing it in 2025? That`s true ambition. Former players and now club founders—Brandi Chastain, Danielle Slaton, Leslie Osborn, and Aly Wagner—always envisioned the potential in the Bay Area, bringing it to life with the support of 40,091 fans at Oracle Park.
