As the 2025 NWSL regular season progresses past Week 5, it`s time for the `Attacking Third` segment`s Team of the Week. Following the weekly matches, `Attacking Third` analysts choose the top eleven players and a coach based on their exceptional performances during the weekend.
Approaching the season`s quarter point, any player or coach can earn Team of the Week recognition, even those from teams that didn`t secure a win but had notable performances. Similar to CBS Sports` weekly NWSL Power Rankings, certain patterns are becoming evident in this week`s selections.
Plenty of the season remains, yet some defenders, specifically Emily Sonnett and Rebeca Bernal, are making repeat appearances, while others are absent for the first time this season. Although Brazilian international Debinha wasn`t included in the Week 5 team, a teammate from Kansas City Current did make a return. For those following along, our Week 4 best XI was previously published.
Five matchweeks are complete, Week 6 is now in progress, and fans can catch select NWSL regular season games on CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here is the selected Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)
Aubrey Kingsbury earns another clean sheet, this one against a highly creative Orlando attack. She was outstanding in a match where she faced 20 shots, making six crucial saves.
Defender: Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Emily Sonnett is taking on increased defensive duties as Gotham navigates injuries in their backline and tries players in new roles. Her experience helps keep the defense organized, and she made crucial blocks.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Kayla Sharples has established herself in Kansas City`s defense. The center-back provides solid cover alongside Alana Cook and is dangerous during set pieces. In Week 5, she made a header appear effortless, dominating others in the box.
Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
Looking more robust and confident pushing forward with talented players around her. She ranked fifth on the team in clearances (five) and effectively tracked Orlando`s attackers while linking up well with teammates.
Defender: Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)
Surprisingly, this is only the second time Bernal has made our Team of the Week. However, after five starts for the Spirit, she`s returned stronger than her Week 1 performance. Bernal led the team with 70 touches, 53 pass attempts, and 9 clearances, successfully neutralizing Barbra Banda.
Midfielder: Kiki Pickett (Bay FC)
Kiki Pickett is known for scoring from long range, but she hadn`t previously been named to our Team of the Week. This week, she accomplishes both. Often overlooked as a dependable central midfielder, she earns this spot after scoring a sensational game-winning goal away at North Carolina.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
The French international was one of several international signings made by Wave FC during the offseason. She continues to perform effectively in the midfield, providing the crucial link-up play that San Diego has needed.
Midfielder: Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
The experienced veteran has now successfully converted 12 out of 13 penalty attempts. Her Week 5 penalty was taken with composure and precision. Naturally, the midfielder followed up the goal with her signature celebration.
Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
The Spanish international continued her scoring form with another brace in Week 5. Her work rate off the ball in defensive pressing is just as notable as her runs to find scoring opportunities. Her performances have put her into contention for the NWSL Golden Boot and helped her club regain playoff contender status.
Forward: Delphie Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC)
The French international joined the Wave late in the 2024 season, offering glimpses of her potential given a full campaign. She has started the 2025 season strongly, performing exceptionally well. Her two goals and an assist against Louisville this week secure her place in the Best XI.
Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)
Gift Monday delivered a true `gift` by scoring her first NWSL goal, which proved to be the decisive game-winner, securing three vital points against the reigning champions, Orlando Pride.
Discussing the goal on `Attacking Third,` Darian Jenkins commented, “It was an opportunity where she showed real grit. She moved out of Anna Moorhouse`s line of sight on the right, blocked her, and it led to the goal. I thought it was brilliant, creating something out of nothing, and what a statement win to defeat the champions and hand them their first loss.”
Coach: Jonatan Giraldez (Washington Spirit)
Given the recent news that star winger Trinity Rodman is sidelined with a back injury and no clear return date, this could have significantly impacted a team already dealing with multiple injuries before facing a strong opponent like the Orlando Pride. However, the team`s depth proved sufficient. If the strategy is to keep games tight to secure results as the season intensifies, Giraldez has assembled a team capable of doing just that.
Benedict Kingsley