As the 2025 NWSL regular season approaches its thrilling conclusion with just five weeks remaining, teams vying for a playoff spot are making their final push for crucial points. Players across the league are delivering exceptional performances, either to secure a postseason berth or to lay groundwork for the next season. Given the numerous impressive displays, Attacking Third is proud to present its latest Team of the Week.
Following each weekend`s NWSL matches, our expert analysts meticulously choose the top eleven players, a head coach, and an honorary captain based on their outstanding contributions. The Kansas City Current have already secured the 2025 NWSL Shield, claiming their well-deserved title as league champions, so their strong presence in our selections is expected, though other surprising choices also feature.
Fans can continue to catch select NWSL regular season games on various CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Our Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
Lorena from Kansas City Current earns her spot after an exceptional performance, not only helping her team secure the NWSL Shield but also shattering the record for consecutive shutout minutes. The Brazilian international achieved an astonishing 632 minutes without conceding in her debut NWSL season, securing her 12th clean sheet of the year.
“She has 12 out of 14 shutouts for her club, just one shy of the all-time NWSL single-season record. I believe she`s likely to break it given Kansas City`s current form. Her impact since joining the league has been nothing short of incredible,” remarked Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins.
Defender: Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)
The Utah Royals` defense has proven to be a formidable force during the latter part of the regular season, and now their players are contributing significantly to goalscoring. Janni Thomsen receives her first Team of the Week honor for her spectacular long-range strike.
Defender: Maycee Bell (North Carolina Courage)
The North Carolina Courage are steadily progressing towards the postseason, largely due to the robust defensive efforts of Maycee Bell. The second-year player delivered a crucial goal-line clearance in Week 21, highlighting her importance to the team.
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns)
Fresh off signing a new contract extending through 2030, fullback Reyna Reyes showcased her versatility both defensively and in possession. She was instrumental in the Thorns` late-game equalizer, coming from a set piece.
Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)
Once a forward and now a pivotal defender, Janine Sonis has been making a significant impact for Racing Louisville FC`s backline. Her prior goalscoring experience was evident in her Week 21 performance.
Jenkins commented, “As a forward, they were often converted into a makeshift outside back-wing back. It`s a challenging adjustment, and I think she`s handled it with immense grace. She looks incredibly good and still maintains the confidence to push forward, attack, and create chances.”
Midfielder: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
In these crucial final weeks, playoff-contending teams demand heightened performances across their entire roster. Midfielder Manaka Matsukubo has been a consistent highlight reel for the Courage lately, excelling in both goalscoring and playmaking.
Attacking Third analyst Lori Lindsey observed, “Even though she didn`t score the goal… she`s lights out. She launched the attack for their counterattack, and then Shinomi [Koyama] finished it. But I think… with Jaedyn Shaw, Ashley Sanchez, and Denise O`Sullivan out for North Carolina, Manaka is truly stepping up when players are asked to deliver in these critical moments.”
Midfielder: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
Earning two honors in a single Team of the Week requires a truly extraordinary performance, and Mina Tanaka has achieved just that. Following in the footsteps of Alyssa Naeher weeks ago, Tanaka delivered the final pass to teammate Janni Thomsen and her all-around efforts were a key factor in Utah`s Week 21 victory.
Midfielder: Evelyn Shores (Angel City)
After joining Angel City mid-season, former University of North Carolina midfielder Evelyn Shores officially opened her NWSL scoring account in Week 22.
“I`m going to give love to Evelyn Shores. She`s been playing left back, played in the midfield, and got her first career goal. This is a player who just joined Angel City somewhat spontaneously in July, deciding not to return to college. We all remember our first goals, and securing a tie against Washington is huge,” quipped Lindsey on Attacking Third.
Forward: Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are holding strong in the playoff race, and despite time running out to climb the standings, the team has undeniably hit a powerful stride late in the season. Forward Yazmeen Ryan delivered the game-winning goal with a phenomenal interception and a clinical finish.
Forward: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
With a second appearance on our Team of the Week, Tanaka`s Week 21 goal was a masterclass in execution. It showcased a masterful first touch, dazzling technique, and pinpoint accuracy.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
The Golden Boot race is fiercely contested, thanks to the consistent goalscoring prowess of Temwa Chawinga. Her 13th goal of the season puts her level with Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez, with Chawinga holding the tiebreaker due to her two assists. She remarkably scored this goal on her birthday – a repeat from last season – and notably, it was her first NWSL header goal.
Coach: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
There is no longer any doubt about the best team in the league this year: it is the Kansas City Current, full stop. While the NWSL Championship winner for 2025 remains to be seen with the postseason still weeks away, the Current have undeniably won the league`s regular season title. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski adds another trophy to his collection with the club, having won the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup last season in his first year back on the NWSL sidelines. A trophy per season sounds impressive, and perhaps there`s even more silverware in store for Andonovski and his team.
Honorary Captains: Kansas City Current Supporters
Once, women`s division one football thrived in Kansas City until its unfortunate absence. However, despite past poor leadership and neglect from former FC Kansas City ownership groups, women`s soccer support never wavered in the heartland. The Kansas City Current`s year-to-year evolution since 2021 offers numerous examples of overall improvement, but the unwavering support from its official supporter group, KC Blue Crew, has been a constant. The NWSL Shield win belongs to them as well.
