Week three of the 2025 NWSL season showcased continued winning streaks and standout individual performances, making the selection for the weekly best XI increasingly competitive. Each week, analysts will choose a team of the week, highlighting 11 top players from the weekend`s matches and a leading coach. They will consider strong performances even in games that didn`t result in wins.
While the season is still long, stretching into October, week three indicated a separation among teams. It`s worth noting which club heavily influenced our team of the week.
Many regular season games are still to come, and fans can watch select NWSL matches on CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here`s the Best XI:
Forwards
Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current): Cooper demonstrated complete player qualities in week three, scoring a goal and providing an assist against Utah. She also led her team in successful dribbles. Her shot statistics and chance creation were among the team`s best as they secured their third consecutive victory. Cooper truly lived up to her reputation as a top player.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, Chawinga continues to outpace defenders. The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner poses a constant threat, capable of shooting, scoring, and pressing effectively. Her consistent performance suggests she will be a regular feature in the team of the week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals. This timely display of skill comes just before her anticipated call-up to national team camps.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha earns her third consecutive team of the week selection. The Brazilian international consistently delivers in attack, adding her second goal of the season in week three. Despite being surprisingly left off Brazil`s April roster, despite leading the league in chances created, she plays with noticeable determination.
Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): Known for her hard work and ball-winning abilities, McCutcheon is now adding goal-scoring to her skills. Her ball recovery efforts are impressive, and she scored her second goal of the season while leading her team in recoveries as the Pride secured their third straight win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): Dali has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL, making an immediate impact for the Wave. Her active pressing and connection with teammates in the final third are notable. Even in a loss against Orlando, Dali contributed with an assist.
Analyst Darian Jenkins highlighted Dali`s midfield dominance, praising her penetrative passes and connection with McCaskill, noting her prime form reminiscent of her performances with France.
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was dynamic in week three, covering extensive ground and contributing significantly in attack. She led her team in successful dribbles and showed strength in challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown was crucial in Washington Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. Her partnership with center-backs Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan was effective, and she displayed key awareness during transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook was a solid presence in the Current`s defense during their third straight victory. Leading the team in tackles, she effectively organized the backline.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): After a challenging first professional start, rookie Reale showed resilience in week three. She was a significant asset for Gotham, contributing to momentum shifts and ranking second on the team in crosses completed.
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC): Arnold delivered a standout performance against North Carolina Courage, facing 28 crosses and making five saves, including a crucial penalty save against Jaedyn Shaw.
Coach
Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current): Andonovski`s Kansas City Current appears confident and potent in attack, while maintaining defensive stability. The team`s strong start surpasses even their impressive performance from last season.