As the 2025 NWSL regular season enters its critical final five weeks, teams vying for playoff spots are intensely competing for every remaining point. Players across the league are delivering exceptional performances, either to secure a postseason berth or to lay the groundwork for future success. Given the abundance of impressive displays, it`s time to unveil Attacking Third`s Team of the Week.
Following each weekend`s fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL season, Attacking Third analysts meticulously choose a Team of the Week, a head coach, and an honorary captain, recognizing the top performers.
The Kansas City Current have officially secured the 2025 NWSL Shield, claiming the prestigious title of league champions. While their representation in our team selections is expected, this week`s lineup also features several other notable surprises.
With Week 22 fast approaching, fans can catch select NWSL regular season matches across various CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Our Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
Lorena, the Brazilian international for Kansas City Current, played a pivotal role in her club`s NWSL Shield victory. She shattered the record for consecutive shutout minutes, achieving an impressive 632 minutes in her inaugural NWSL season, alongside her 12th clean sheet of the year. Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins praised her performance, stating, “She has 12 out of 14 shutouts for her club… she has just been so incredible coming to the league.” Lorena is now just one clean sheet away from the NWSL all-time single-season record.
Defender: Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)
Janni Thomsen of the Utah Royals earns her first Team of the Week recognition. The Royals` defense has proven formidable throughout the latter half of the regular season, and now their defenders are contributing significantly to goalscoring, as highlighted by Thomsen`s spectacular long-range strike.
Defender: Maycee Bell (North Carolina Courage)
Maycee Bell`s defensive prowess is a key factor in the North Carolina Courage`s quiet but determined push for a playoff spot. The second-year defender delivered a crucial goal-line clearance in Week 21, making a massive impact.
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns)
Recently signing a contract extension through 2030, Portland Thorns fullback Reyna Reyes showcased her versatile skills, both defensively and in attack. She was instrumental in the late stages of the game, scoring an equalizer from a set piece.
Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)
Janine Sonis, who transitioned from forward to defender, is proving to be a significant asset for Racing Louisville FC`s backline. Her past goalscoring experience shone brightly in Week 21. Darian Jenkins commented on her successful positional change: “It`s a difficult adjustment, and I think she`s handled it with so much grace, and she looks so good and still having the confidence to go forward and attack, create chances.”
Midfielder: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
In these crucial final weeks, playoff-contending teams demand heightened performances across their entire roster. Manaka Matsukubo, a midfielder for the North Carolina Courage, has recently become a standout player, excelling in both goalscoring and playmaking. Attacking Third analyst Lori Lindsey lauded her impact: “Even though she didn`t score the goal… she`s lights out. She sprung the attack for them to go on that little counterattack…” Lindsey emphasized Matsukubo`s elevated role, particularly with key players like Jaedyn Shaw, Ashley Sanchez, and Denise O`Sullivan absent, highlighting her ability to step up in critical moments.
Midfielder: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
Earning two Team of the Week honors is a testament to an exceptionally special performance, a feat previously achieved by Alyssa Naeher. This week, Mina Tanaka of the Utah Royals achieves this distinction. Her crucial final pass led to Janni Thomsen`s goal, and Tanaka`s influential play across all areas of the pitch was instrumental in Utah`s Week 21 triumph.
Midfielder: Evelyn Shores (Angel City)
Evelyn Shores of Angel City, a former University of North Carolina midfielder who joined the club late in the season, celebrated her first NWSL career goal in Week 22. Attacking Third`s Lori Lindsey commended Shores, noting her versatility in playing both left-back and midfield, and highlighted her impulsive mid-season decision to join Angel City instead of returning to college. Lindsey emphasized the significance of her debut goal, particularly in securing a draw against Washington.
Forward: Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash)
Despite time running out in the playoff race, the Houston Dash are maintaining a strong fight, having found their rhythm late in the season. Forward Yazmeen Ryan was the hero, securing the game-winning goal with a decisive interception followed by a clinical finish.
Forward: Mina Tanaka (Utah Royals)
Mina Tanaka makes a second appearance on our Team of the Week, thanks to her exquisite Week 21 goal. It was a masterclass of skill, featuring a masterful first touch, dazzling technique, and pinpoint accuracy.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Temwa Chawinga continues her relentless scoring streak, intensifying the Golden Boot race. Her 13th goal of the season puts her level with Gotham FC`s Esther Gonzalez, though Chawinga holds the tiebreaker with two assists. Notably, she scored this goal on her birthday, a repeat of last season`s celebration, and this time it was her first NWSL header goal.
Coach: Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
The Kansas City Current have unequivocally established themselves as the league`s top team this year, having clinched the 2025 NWSL Shield. While the ultimate NWSL Championship winners are yet to be determined, Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski has already added another trophy to the club`s cabinet, following their victory in the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup last season. With a trophy per season, the question remains: what more can Andonovski and his squad achieve?
Honorary Captains: Kansas City Current Supporters
The unwavering support of the Kansas City Current Supporters, particularly the KC Blue Crew, has been a constant through the team`s evolution since 2021. Despite past challenges and the previous absence of top-tier women`s football in Kansas City, fan dedication never faltered. This NWSL Shield victory is also a testament to their loyalty and passion.
