The NWSL season resumed following a short break for the international window, and the action in Week 11 delivered. Fans witnessed thrilling late-game winners, significant career milestones, and top playoff contenders reaffirming their elite status. Amidst the excitement were standout individual performances, signaling the return of Attacking Third`s Team of the Week selection.
Following each weekend`s matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts choose a Best XI and a Coach based on notable displays. As the midpoint of the season approaches, it`s expected that players from leading clubs will appear multiple times, given their consistent performance at the top.
However, this doesn`t mean players from teams lower down the table are excluded. Angel City is represented after their exciting 2-2 tie against Chicago Stars FC. Several players, and even the Coach, are making their first appearance on our Team of the Week. If you`ve been tracking past selections, you might want to revisit the Week 10 Best XI.
Week 12 promises more excitement, and fans can watch selected NWSL regular season games across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here is our Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
Dickey leads American keepers in the league across 10 games in key metrics: save percentage (74.4%), goals against (10), crosses faced (198), and crosses claimed (12). As USWNT head coach Emma Hayes often says, `the data don`t lie,` and Dickey delivered a crucial save against a challenging San Diego team.
Defender: Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)
The Mexican international has been versatile for the Washington Spirit, filling in as a defensive midfielder or center back when needed. This week, Bernal was instrumental in stopping attackers from the backline. Her Spirit teammate, Esme Morgan, commented on her constant energy: `She`s such a strong defender. She loves going and winning aerial balls from long goal kicks, you kinda see the ball coming into the air and you know Rebe is going to come flying through to win it. She loves flinging herself in front of the ball for blocks and making strong tackles. I feel like she`s a really secure presence there.`
Defender: Ellie Jean (Racing Louisville FC)
Racing Louisville is moving closer to their playoff goal, and maintaining consistency is key, especially with experienced players like Ellie Jean in the lineup. The veteran centerback was pivotal in shutting down opponent attacks and also contributed offensively by scoring a goal.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
This marks Casey Krueger`s third consecutive appearance on our Team of the Week. Whether the seasoned defender is tracking opposition transitions, scoring goals, or providing assists, her consistent, high-level performance has earned her deserved recognition.
Defender: M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)
M.A. Vignola is a significant presence on Angel City`s backline, showcasing intelligent defending and attacking vision. This was evident in Week 11 as she consistently won back possession and scored the crucial equalizer for the home team.
Midfielder: Narumi Miura (Washington Spirit)
Narumi Miura returns to our Best XI this week with a strong performance. The Japanese international led the midfield with total touches (59), created the most chances for her team (three), and provided an assist for Gift Monday`s goal. Despite the Spirit needing to rotate the midfield due to various injuries, Miura has been a consistent and reliable presence.
Midfielder: Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC)
Sally Menti scored her first NWSL goal in a significant way, earning her spot on our team of the week. She was a brilliant addition to the midfield during an away match against a tough opponent. Ranking second on her team in recoveries (seven), her effectiveness with the ball after winning possession was particularly notable.
Midfielder: Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)
While attention might understandably focus on the own goal in the 101st minute, overlooking Vanessa DiBernardo`s contributions for the first 100 minutes mirrors a lack of individual recognition she`s faced throughout her career. We are recognizing her this week; she`s in our Best XI for her significant work both on and off the ball – efforts that often don`t appear on the scoresheet. Additionally, she reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the fifth player in NWSL history to achieve 200 regular-season appearances.
Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)
The Nigerian international scored her fourth goal of the season in a dynamic, end-to-end game. Gift Monday has been a major highlight for the Spirit, particularly as they manage player rotations due to injuries. Her movement within the penalty area was as impressive as her skillful diving header to redirect the ball into the net.
Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is firmly back in contention for this year`s award. Temwa Chawinga netted the game-winner just 11 minutes into a rainy match against Gotham FC. Chawinga is a master of timing and movement; if she gains even a slight advantage over the defense, it`s often decisive.
Forward: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current)
Returning fresh from a U.S. women`s national team camp, Michelle Cooper remains as dangerous as ever. Kansas City`s press is effective and precise, and the young forward demonstrated her fearlessness by scoring the opening goal just three minutes into the match.
Coach: Laura Harvey (Seattle Reign FC)
Laura Harvey led her team to victory in a tactical masterclass against San Diego. She also achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first coach in NWSL history to reach 250 matches at the helm. She is the only coach to surpass 200 games, and we anticipate seeing her reach even more milestones.
Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
Defender Savy King returned to BMO Stadium following her successful emergency heart surgery. Her presence at the game served as a powerful reminder that some things transcend soccer, and the league is stronger and better with her back.