The ultimate 4 weeks of the 2025 NWSL common season are gearing up for a wild end. Groups nonetheless within the playoff hunt are working out of time for additional factors to push them into the postseason, and particular person performances are the differentiator. With so many gamers stepping up, it is time for Attacking Third’s group of the week.
After weekly fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL marketing campaign, Attacking Third analysts choose a group of the week, head coach, and honorary captain based mostly on performances throughout the weekend. For those who’re conserving monitor of who has been on our previous lineups, make sure that to look again at our group alternatives from week 21.
Washington Spirit grew to become the second group to punch their ticket to the postseason, so in fact, they’ve gamers represented on our group of the week. However similar to parity throughout the league, there’s selection among the many week 22 alternatives. Even the Chicago Stars FC have a spot after being eradicated from playoff competition.
Week 23 will probably be right here earlier than it, and followers can watch choose NWSL common season matches throughout CBS platforms, together with CBS, CBS Sports activities Community, Paramount+, and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community.
Check out our greatest XI:
Goalkeeper: Mia Justus (Utah Royals)
The Utah Royals refuse to go down and not using a struggle and, in actual fact, are on monitor to ship main upsets. Goalkeeper Mia Justus made large saves to maintain a clear sheet.
Defender: Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)
Again-to-back objectives for Royals defender Janni Thomsen and a second consecutive look on the group of the week. There’s simply one thing about Thomsen from distance.
Defender: Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Whereas Gotham’s fullbacks are getting up within the assault, centerback Emily Sonnett is holding down the backline. Because the golf equipment’ urgent triggers enhance, so do Sonnett’s tasks, and her secure presence is a giant a part of their success on the pitch. She led defenders in recoveries (six), and can stay a key determine within the group’s techniques.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
Fast changes and formational rotations may very well be Seattle’s x-factor down the stretch, however having dependable personnel is a big cause why head coach Laura Harvey could make these adjustments. Centerback Pheobe McClernon’s management and consistency have been a staple on the backline this 12 months, and she or he led defenders on the group in recoveries (5) and duels (9).
Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)
Typically the performances match the outcome, and week 22 was lastly a sum of all elements for Racing Louisville’s Janine Sonis. Her chemistry alongside the flank with Emma Sears has led to extra promising attacking sequences, and her capability to recuperate whereas Sears assaults will proceed to be an issue for opposing groups.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
Washington Spirit’s most well-liked beginning lineup is getting stronger week to week, and midfielder Croix Bethune is making it look simple to create affect. She simply finds a method to thread the needle, regardless of who else is within the field.
Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
We have been fortunate to see Rose Lavelle put collectively spectacular consecutive postseason performances the final two years, and this season she’s on her method to one other. A purpose and an help for Gotham out of week 22 and a transparent reminder that she’s elite.
Midfielder: Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas Metropolis Present)
The Kansas Metropolis Present preserve rolling by way of the season, and veteran midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta retains changing penalty kicks. She scored her 14th profession penalty and tied a file with Megan Rapinoe.
Ahead: Midge Purce (Gotham FC)
Gotham’s roster getting wholesome is a scary sight for the remainder of the league. Attacker Midge Purce has lastly strung collectively three consecutive video games the place she’s performed 90 minutes, and her purpose in week 22 earns her a spot on the group of the week.
Ahead: Jacqueline Ovalle (Orlando Pleasure)
Mexican worldwide ahead Jacqueline Ovalle has wasted little time in making an affect for the Pleasure. Final week it was an help, and this week it is a purpose.
Ahead: Reward Monday (Washington Spirit)
It won’t have been a ten-minute hat trick like Ludmila’s for Chicago Stars FC in August, however Washington Spirit’s Reward Monday’s hat trick was nonetheless the quickest over a primary half. Three objectives within the 18th, twenty first, and thirty sixth minutes of the sport, and that is with the postseason nonetheless weeks away.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Head coach Bev Yanez and the group snapped a three-game shedding streak with a giant three factors in week 22. It began with changes for ahead Janine Sonis at left again after shedding Lauren Milliet to harm, and lately giving rookie Sarah Webber the beginning. A primary playoff look remains to be in sight for Racing.
Honorary captains: Chicago Stars FC 2025 midseason run
RIP to the Chicago Stars FC’s 2025 postseason hopes. The primary group to be eradicated from competition, it did not come with out some memorable moments. A six-game unbeaten streak, a league file hat-trick by Ludmila that earned her August participant of the month, and a brand new league saves file for Alyssa Naeher. The last-place group additionally snapped first-place Kansas Metropolis’s shutout streak. We will not wait to see what you provide you with subsequent, Chicago.
