The postseason image is sort of full because the 2025 NWSL common season prepares to shut. Particular person performances are making the distinction with such high-staeks on the road, and with so many standout efforts, its time for Attacking Third’s workforce of the week.
After weekly fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL marketing campaign, Attacking Third analysts choose a workforce of the week, head coach, and honorary captain based mostly on performances throughout the weekend. When you’re conserving monitor of who has been on our previous lineups, be sure that to look again at our workforce choices from week 24.
Solely Kansas Metropolis Present (No. 1) and Washington Spirit (No. 2) have clinched residence area benefit and remaining playoff seeding continues to be up for grabs with determination day looming forward. All golf equipment could have a quick break for the upcoming October inernational window, and return on Sunday, Nov. 2, for determination day.
The ultimate match week might be right here earlier than you already know 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: Jane Campbell (Houston Sprint)
In a season the place Houston merely could not get out of their very own manner at occasions, the squad now discover themselves eradicated from playoffs. It wasn’t with out large efforts and an announcement although. The Sprint held the most effective workforce within the league scoreless, and Sprint goalkeeper Jane Campbell was the distinction maker. She made six saves, on 20 shot makes an attempt, with 31 crosses confronted.
Defender: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pleasure)
Loads of defenders would curl up right into a shell after conceding an personal aim, however not Orlando Pleasure defender Kerry Abello. After being on the tip of an unlucky second, Abello responded with an equalizer for the Pleasure in a extremely charged sport.
Defender: Kristen McNabb (Kansas Metropolis Present)
For a lot of the second half of the season the San Diego Wave struggled in entrance of aim, however that modified in week 25. Even defenders acquired on the scoresheet for the Wave, together with Kristen McNabb
Defender: Rafaelle (Orlando Pleasure)
Generally when the sport is coming at you, it might really feel tough to maintain the strain however that wasn’t the case for Brazilian centerback Rafaelle. She led the workforce in clearances (eight) and made two interceptions and 4 recoveries.
“Rafalle I believed was so good for the Pleasure. I believe when she’s part of that backline, Orlando appears like final years Orlando,” stated Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins.
“They appear robust. Her capacity to play out of the again is so good, what she brings into the assault can also be deadly … but when we’re interested by a middle again, Rafaelle’s the lady.”
Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)
There won’t be a greater story for Racing Lousiville this yr than attacker Janine Sonis flip fullback. In a time the place accidents might’ve taken an actual toll on the squad, head coach Bev Yanez shifted the veteran right into a decrease function and it is paid off. The Canadian internaitonal’s scoring expertise had a huge effect in week 25.
Midfielder: Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC)
There’s been loads of rotation and alter with Gotham FC’s midfield this season, however Jaelin Howell has been the fixed. If she’s not dictating tempo or shifting ball management, she’s scoring bangers from distance.
Midfielder: Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)
Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie is simply 20 years outdated however she’s taking part in like a veteran this season. It checks out, she turned professional at 13, and has been a part of the Thorns senior workforce since she was 15. Now she’s making it look straightforward within the assault.
Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
A shocking aim off a free kick that clinched a spot within the playoffs? That is only a day on the workplace for Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle. The USWNT participant is in prime kind on the excellent time for the membership.
Ahead: Marta (Orlando Pleasure)
If timing is truely every thing in relation to NWSL playoffs than Orlando Pleasure is thirilled to have Marta again within the combine. The Brazilian internaional has been that includes off the bench and reminding everybody that she wants little time to make an affect on video games.
Ahead: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Braveness)
The North Carolina Braveness are simply in grasp of the playoffs and that is because of Manaka Matsukubo. A transparent second half MVP, the Japanese worldwide in every single place for the Braveness. If she’s not establishing others, she’s scoring targets, in multiples. Her hat-trick in week 25 earns her a spot on our workforce of the week.
Ahead: Dudinha (San Diego Wave FC)
Generally you want an injection of latest vitality to shake issues up and the Wave’s summer time acquisition of 20-year-old Brazilian worldwide Dudinha is a good addition. Her two aim efficiency earns her a spot in week 25.
Coach: Fabrice Gautrat (Houston Sprint)
An extrodinary run within the second half of the season got here with an ideal efficiency in week 25, Fabrice Gautrat’s Houston Sprint defeated the No. 1 Kansas Metropolis Present and snapped the NWSL Sheild winner’s unbeated streak. They confirmed they’re able to hanging with golf equipment throughout the league, and it is one thing to construct towards subsequent yr.
Honorary captains: Participant retirements
Week 25 celebrated the retirements of extra foudational gamers throughout the league. Dwelling area farewells to Lauren Barnes, Ali Riley, Christen Press, Kristen Hamilton, and Mallory Weber had been simply a number of the athletes honored as they wind down the ultimate days of their taking part in careers. Because the NWSL appears forward to playoffs and yr 14, the league’s longevity is an emblem of those gamers and their efforts to maintain a league even when it fell brief at occasions.
