The 2025 NWSL regular season resumed with a bang after a break for the international window, and fans were treated to a thrilling week 11 action. From late-game winners to career milestones, the week had it all. As the halfway point of the season approaches, the competition is heating up, with playoff contenders showcasing their elite skills on the field. In the midst of all the excitement, standout performances were aplenty, leading to the selection of Attacking Third’s team of the week.
Each week, Attacking Third analysts carefully select the best XI and a coach based on standout performances in the NWSL. While top clubs predictably dominate the list, players from lower-ranked teams also make their mark. Angel City, for instance, earned representation following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chicago Stars FC. Additionally, there were several debutants in the team of the week, including the coach, making it an exciting mix of talent and experience.
Looking ahead to week 12, fans can catch select NWSL regular season matches on CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network. With the competition heating up, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best XI from week 11:
Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
Claudia Dickey leads American goalkeepers in several key statistics and made a crucial save against San Diego in a tough matchup.
Defender: Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)
Rebeca Bernal showcased her versatility by excelling in different positions for the Washington Spirit, earning praise from teammates for her strong defensive presence.
Defender: Ellie Jean (Racing Louisville FC)
Ellie Jean played a pivotal role in Racing Louisville’s defensive efforts and also contributed offensively with a goal.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
Casey Krueger continued her impressive form with a third consecutive appearance in the team of the week, showcasing her defensive prowess and goal-scoring abilities.
Defender: M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)
M.A. Vignola was a standout performer for Angel City FC, displaying intelligence in defense and vision in attack.
Midfielder: Narumi Miura (Washington Spirit)
Narumi Miura led the midfield for the Washington Spirit, creating chances and providing an assist in a solid performance.
Midfielder: Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC)
Sally Menti scored her first NWSL goal and was instrumental in the midfield for Seattle Reign FC.
Midfielder: Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)
Vanessa DiBernardo’s hard work on and off the ball was recognized, earning her a spot in the team of the week and becoming the fifth player in NWSL history to reach 200 regular-season appearances.
Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)
Gift Monday continued her impressive form with a goal for the Washington Spirit, showcasing her movement and finishing ability.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Temwa Chawinga, the reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner, scored a crucial goal for Kansas City Current, highlighting her timing and movement in the box.
Forward: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current)
Fresh off a U.S. women’s national team camp, Michelle Cooper returned to NWSL action with a bang, showcasing her dangerous attacking prowess.
With such a talented lineup, week 11 of the NWSL regular season provided fans with plenty of excitement and memorable performances. As the season progresses, the competition is sure to intensify, promising more thrilling moments on the field. The latest match in Kansas City was nothing short of a clinical display by the young forward, who wasted no time in getting the opening goal just three minutes into the game. The press in Kansas City was full of praise for the fearless performance of the forward, who showed no fear in taking on the opposition and finding the back of the net early on.
Coach Laura Harvey of Seattle Reign FC also made headlines with her tactical masterclass against San Diego, becoming the first coach in NWSL history to reach the impressive milestone of 250 matches at the helm. With this achievement, Harvey solidified her place as one of the top coaches in the league, surpassing the 200-match mark and setting a high standard for future coaches to aspire to.
On the field, captain Savy King of Angel City FC made a triumphant return to BMO Stadium after undergoing successful emergency heart surgery. Her presence during the game served as a reminder that some things are bigger than soccer, and her resilience and strength were an inspiration to her teammates and fans alike. The league is undoubtedly a better and stronger place with players like King leading by example.
Overall, the match in Kansas City showcased the best of the NWSL, with thrilling performances on the field and moments of courage and resilience off the field. As the season continues, fans can look forward to more exciting matches and inspiring stories from the talented players and coaches of the league.
