The 2025 NWSL regular season has resumed its second half after a brief international interlude. Players from the league participated in various global tournaments, including the UEFA Women`s Euro, Women`s African Cup of Nations, and Copa America Femenina, during the month-long break. Week 14 of the league did not disappoint, featuring Kansas City`s strong push for the NWSL Shield, closely fought matches, and spectacular goals. This marks the perfect moment to unveil our updated Team of the Week selections.
Following each week`s fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, our analysts carefully choose a best XI, a head coach, and an honorary captain based on outstanding performances over the weekend. With the latter half of the season officially underway, the task of selecting 11 top players from over 300 rostered athletes will become increasingly challenging.
Let`s break down the standout performers who defined NWSL`s triumphant return. Take a look at our best XI:
Goalkeeper: Mia Justus (Utah Royals)
Rookie goalkeeper Mia Justus, who gained attention earlier this year with a call-up to the U.S. women`s national team January camp, made a significant statement in her road debut. She delivered a strong performance between the posts during her first regular season appearance, a tough challenge against the reigning champions and Shield holders. Despite conceding a goal later in the game, her five saves from ten shots faced and 23 crosses helped secure a crucial point for the Royals in Orlando.
While other goalkeepers like Seattle Reign`s Claudia Dickey and Kansas City`s Laurel Ivory also had notable performances, Justus earned the recognition this week.
Defender: Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Esme Morgan has had an eventful summer. Fresh off winning the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro with England, Morgan seamlessly integrated back into the Washington Spirit`s defensive line. She played with championship pedigree, demonstrating adaptability within the Spirit`s fluid three-back system and maintaining a stable presence during challenging moments in the final third. Commentators highlighted Morgan`s calm demeanor on the ball and praised her immediate impact for the Spirit after returning from Euros.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
Seattle Reign was one of only three teams to achieve a clean sheet in Week 14, largely thanks to defender Phoebe McClernon. The center-back provided vocal leadership and confidence, anchoring the Reign through numerous attacks in the first half. Although goals in the second half secured the victory, it was the defensive solidity, led by McClernon`s five clearances and eight recoveries, that kept the opposition scoreless.
Defender: Kristen McNabb (San Diego Wave FC)
San Diego`s resurgence under head coach Jonas Eidevall is noteworthy, and while goal-scoring may not have fully returned for the squad, their defensive principles remain solid. Veteran Kristen McNabb has stepped up as a reliable presence alongside rookie center-back Trinity Armstrong. This season, the experienced defender has often handled the less flashy but crucial work of stabilizing the backline, seamlessly moving in and out of her role when necessary, particularly in hard-fought matches that end in scoreless draws.
Defender: Tyler Lussi (North Carolina Courage)
If San Diego earned accolades for their defensive display in a scoreless draw, North Carolina certainly deserves equal praise for their part in the battle. Tyler Lussi is familiar with playing in a deeper role, often pushing forward in attack and quickly recovering to fulfill defensive duties. However, it`s been some time since she operated as a primary fullback. All these capabilities were on full display in Week 14, reminding everyone of her versatility across different lines. Could this tactical adjustment be a timely boost for their second-half push? Only time will tell.
Midfielder: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
Part of the excitement of the season`s second half is catching early glimpses of teams that might emerge as spoilers. Japan national team player Mina Tanaka made an immediate impact, scoring within the opening five minutes against the Orlando Pride. After receiving a pass from Kaleigh Riehl just past midfield, Tanaka took a few touches before unleashing a powerful shot from approximately 30 yards out, finding the back of the net.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
Former Rookie and Midfielder of the Year, Croix Bethune, made her return to play just weeks before the league`s summer international break. After Week 14, she appears revitalized and ready to shine for the Spirit. She provided a clever flick on the ball, assisting Trinity Rodman`s game-winning goal.
Midfielder: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC)
Welsh international Jess Fishlock is riding high after a historic summer where Wales debuted in the 2025 Euros. The positive momentum continues for the midfielder. She brought energy and experience to Seattle Reign this week, scoring the equalizer and forcing an own goal that served as the game-winner.
Forward: Penelope Hocking (Bay FC)
If the league had a Most Improved Player award, Bay FC forward Penelope Hocking would be a leading candidate. Without such an award, she is quietly building an MVP-caliber season for her club. She leads her team with five goals, and her recent strike against Houston Dash was a top-tier finish, well deserving of a spot on the Team of the Week.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
At this stage of her NWSL career, Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga is almost guaranteed to score. She netted her ninth goal of the season, and while she trails Golden Boot leader Esther Gonzalez by one (10 goals), with this consistent scoring prowess, Chawinga is poised to contend for individual accolades as the season progresses.
Forward: Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
In a weekend celebrating returns, there was arguably no better comeback story than Trinity Rodman`s. After a nearly four-month absence, Rodman was subbed into the game with just 14 minutes left, providing an immediate spark and ultimately scoring the game-winning goal. Beyond the three points that propelled the Spirit to third place, the emotional celebration by the team and Rodman herself highlighted her challenging journey of rehabilitating a back injury away from the squad. Rodman stated after the game, “I was doing a lot of work behind the scenes by myself. I was getting fit, obviously, not in a team environment, which was kind of difficult to replicate as best I could by myself. But yeah, I was working a lot on my endurance. I was working a lot on getting my back to work the way that it should, and kind of tweaking certain things in the way that I moved. So, yeah, feels great to be back.”
Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)
Adrian Gonzalez first took on the role of interim head coach for the Spirit last year. After Jonatan Giraldez temporarily took over mid-season before departing for OL Lyonnes, Gonzalez was once again tasked with leading the Spirit for the remainder of the season. His current tenure began just before the international break. Now, with key players like Rodman returning to the roster, Gonzalez has successfully unified the team, getting them off to a strong start in the second half of the season.
Honorary Captain: Rachel Kundananji (Bay FC)
Zambia international Racheal Kundananji provided the assist on Penelope Hocking`s goal, marking her third assist of the season. This is just one example of how the attacker is contributing on the scoresheet for Bay FC this year. Despite relentless efforts, she has only one goal this season from 38 shots, but this hasn`t deterred her impactful performances. Commentators expressed their admiration for Kundananji, noting her “chaos” on the front line and her infectious enjoyment of the game, even after hitting the post multiple times. Her dedication and hard work make her an exemplary leader.
