The 2025 NWSL regular season is approaching its thrilling conclusion, with only four weeks remaining. Teams vying for playoff spots are intensely competing for crucial points, making individual brilliance a key factor. As numerous players deliver exceptional performances, it`s time to unveil Attacking Third`s latest Team of the Week.
Following each week`s NWSL matches throughout the 2025 season, Attacking Third analysts meticulously choose a Team of the Week, along with a head coach and an honorary captain, recognizing outstanding displays from the past weekend.
The Washington Spirit has secured their place in the postseason, naturally leading to their players being featured in this week`s selection. However, reflecting the league`s competitive balance, the Week 22 roster showcases a diverse array of talent. Remarkably, even Chicago Stars FC, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, has a player recognized for their contributions.
Fans can anticipate Week 23 shortly, with various NWSL regular season games accessible across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here are the top XI players:
Goalkeeper: Mia Justus (Utah Royals)
Utah Royals` goalkeeper Mia Justus played a pivotal role in her team`s determined effort, recording significant saves to secure a clean sheet. The Royals continue to defy expectations and appear poised for further upsets.
Defender: Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)
Janni Thomsen of the Utah Royals earns her second consecutive spot in the Team of the Week, having scored goals in successive matches. Her ability to strike from long range is particularly noteworthy.
Defender: Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Emily Sonnett, Gotham FC`s centerback, anchored the defense while her fullbacks pushed forward. Her reliable presence is crucial as the team`s pressing intensity grows, leading all defenders with six recoveries. Sonnett`s role will remain central to Gotham`s tactical approach and on-field success.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
Seattle Reign FC`s head coach Laura Harvey relies on consistent players like centerback Phoebe McClernon to execute strategic adjustments and formation changes, which could be vital in the season`s closing stages. McClernon`s leadership and steadfast defensive performance have been outstanding, as evidenced by her five recoveries and nine duels – leading her team`s defenders in both categories.
Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)
Janine Sonis of Racing Louisville FC delivered a comprehensive performance in Week 22, where her individual display truly mirrored the team`s positive outcome. Her effective partnership with Emma Sears on the wing has fostered more potent attacking plays, and her defensive recovery skills, complementing Sears`s forward runs, pose a significant challenge for opponents.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
As the Washington Spirit`s starting lineup gains strength each week, midfielder Croix Bethune consistently demonstrates her ability to make a significant impact. Her knack for finding precise passes, even in crowded penalty areas, appears effortless.
Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
Rose Lavelle of Gotham FC continues her trend of delivering outstanding performances, marked by a goal and an assist in Week 22. This display serves as a powerful reminder of her elite talent, building on her impressive consecutive postseason showings from the past two years.
Midfielder: Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
The Kansas City Current maintains its strong season momentum, with experienced midfielder Lo`eau LaBonta consistently converting penalty kicks. Her recent successful penalty marks her 14th career conversion, placing her level with Megan Rapinoe`s record.
Forward: Midge Purce (Gotham FC)
A healthy Gotham FC squad presents a formidable challenge to the league. Forward Midge Purce, having completed three consecutive 90-minute matches, scored a crucial goal in Week 22, earning her a spot in the Team of the Week.
Forward: Jacqueline Ovalle (Orlando Pride)
Mexican international forward Jacqueline Ovalle has quickly proven her value to the Orlando Pride, following up last week`s assist with a goal this week.
Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)
Gift Monday of the Washington Spirit delivered a remarkable hat-trick, scoring three goals in the 18th, 21st, and 36th minutes. While not as rapid as Ludmila`s ten-minute hat-trick for Chicago Stars FC in August, Monday`s feat was the fastest recorded in a first half, weeks before the postseason.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Under head coach Bev Yanez, Racing Louisville FC ended a three-game losing streak by securing vital points in Week 22. This turnaround involved strategic adjustments, such as repositioning Janine Sonis to left back after Lauren Milliet`s injury and fielding rookie Sarah Webber. Racing Louisville remains hopeful for their inaugural playoff berth.
Honorary Captains: Chicago Stars FC 2025 Midseason Run
While Chicago Stars FC`s 2025 playoff aspirations have concluded, their midseason journey was marked by several unforgettable highlights. Despite being the first team eliminated, they achieved a six-game unbeaten streak, witnessed Ludmila set a league record with a hat-trick that earned her August Player of the Month, and saw Alyssa Naeher establish a new league saves record. Furthermore, this last-place team impressively ended first-place Kansas City`s shutout streak. We eagerly anticipate Chicago`s future endeavors.
