As the 2025 NWSL regular season reached its quarter-point with exciting matches, the “Attacking Third” segment returns with its weekly Team of the Week. Experts analyze standout performances from the past weekend`s fixtures to select the best XI players and a coach.
Moving towards the season`s halfway mark, consistent performers are expected to feature multiple times. You can review our Week 6 selections if you missed them. Seven match weeks are now complete, and fans have the option to watch select NWSL regular season matches across CBS platforms.
Here is the Best XI for this week:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC)
The veteran goalkeeper recorded her first clean sheet of the season against a strong Gotham FC side. Naeher faced 15 shots, making five saves, including a crucial stop right on the goalline in late stoppage time.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)
This central defender provided a strong anchor in a three-player backline facing one of the league`s top attacking teams. McClernon has been a reliable fixture in the Reign`s defense, starting every game this season. Her performance in limiting scoring opportunities against Kansas City in Week 7 was particularly crucial given the number of shots (13) Seattle`s defense faced.
Defender: Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
Kayla Sharples has established herself on Kansas City`s backline. The center back adds security alongside Alana Cook and is a threat from set pieces. She made a header goal look effortless in Week 5, rising above others in the box.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave FC)
The 17-year-old rookie appears increasingly comfortable in San Diego`s defense, playing alongside second-year center back Kennedy Wesley. She effectively shut down significant attacks from regional rivals Bay FC and also scored her first professional goal, a decisive game-winner right at the end of the match.
Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)
Reyes was decisive for the Thorns in Week 7, scoring the winning goal against the reigning champions, Orlando Pride. She has been a dependable presence in the Thorns` defense this season. The outside back executed her inverted run and maintained her position near the top of the box to score the winning strike.
Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
This France international is becoming a regular feature on our Team of the Week. She delivered another performance where the experienced veteran disrupted opposition plays and created clever spaces to work in. San Diego`s continued success is closely linked to Dali`s influence in midfield.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
The long-standing Courage captain has been instrumental in getting North Carolina back on track. The Irish international is orchestrating play, whether it`s linking up passes or maintaining possession.
Midfielder: Katie Zelem (Angel City FC)
This England international has provided valuable experience to a youthful Angel City squad that is currently performing well. Whether holding strong in midfield alongside Alana Kennedy or showing clinical ability with more starts, she has quickly helped balance the younger players with her veteran presence.
Forward: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC)
The U.S. women`s national team forward scored the game-winning goal in her third start for Seattle. A veteran of the league, she joined the team in the offseason and has been progressively returning to regular starts. Her contribution has been immediate, proving effective in counter-pressing situations and creating space for other attackers in coach Laura Harvey`s setup.
Forward: Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
The competition for Rookie of the Year is intensifying after only seven weeks, and the Angel City forward is in excellent form, earning her first appearance on our Team of the Week. She has scored four goals in five games and became the match hero with a winner scored in stoppage time.
Forward: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
Ashley Sanchez is a crucial element as the Courage look to find consistency. While there might be discussion about including an attacking midfielder among forwards, now in her sixth league season, she is a veteran who can take control of games, which she did in Week 7. Used both as a starter and substitute, her health will be key to her continued impact in Courage matches.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Coaching through not just one, but two lightning delays? This week`s Coach of the Week honors go to Racing Louisville FC`s Bev Yanez. She successfully kept her team focused and composed while playing away in Houston, enduring one delay that approached two hours. The victory secures two consecutive positive results for a team that had a difficult start to the regular season`s first quarter.
Adrian Whitmore