As the 2025 NWSL regular season continues past Week 9, teams are becoming increasingly competitive. The league is approaching its halfway point, and with that comes Attacking Third`s selection for the Team of the Week.
Following each week`s matches during the NWSL season, analysts from Attacking Third choose the top XI players and a coach based on their exceptional performances.
Week 9 saw several new faces join the Best XI. While some players have made repeat appearances, the league`s competitive balance is evident as we move past the season`s quarter mark, bringing new standouts to the Team of the Week.
Looking ahead to Week 10, fans can catch select NWSL regular season games on CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
NWSL Week 9 Team of the Week
Here is the Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)
The Brazilian goalkeeper, signed in the offseason, has been a dependable presence in goal through nine matches. She leads the league with five shutouts, earning her latest clean sheet against Orlando Pride. Facing 11 shots, she made four saves, helping Kansas City maintain their first-place position.
Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
This rookie defender anchored San Diego`s backline with another strong Week 9 performance. With her center-back partner suspended, she quickly formed chemistry with veteran Kristen McNabb, contributing to a shutout win over Gotham FC. She was effective in her duels, leading the team with a 75% success rate.
Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign)
As Seattle`s coach refines defensive strategies, McClernon has quickly become a key figure in the Reign`s defense. She demonstrated excellent positioning, covering significant ground to anticipate dangerous attacks, and led defenders with two recoveries.
Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)
Proving impact doesn`t always require a full 90 minutes, Krueger delivered a relentless second-half performance in a wild six-goal draw against Utah. Her halftime entry completely changed the game, with the outside back constantly joining the attack and disrupting Utah`s plays. Scoring the late equalizer was the perfect conclusion to a chaotic match.
Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Sharples earns Best XI honors and returns to the Team of the Week after another solid defensive outing. She effectively stepped into challenges, did well with marking, and led the team with five clearances, helping the backline stay organized, especially after a key injury substitution.
Midfielder: CeCe Kizer (Utah Royals FC)
Kizer displayed her classic form in the wild match against the Spirit. She not only scored a goal for the Royals but also served as a catalyst for chaos, forcing an own goal with a header that marked the fifth score within just 36 minutes.
Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
Making her third consecutive appearance in the Best XI, the Irish international was again both an enforcer and connector for the Courage. She effectively denied the opposition any chance of controlling the midfield and provided an assist on the opening goal.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)
The Thorns continue their strong run, with Sam Coffey driving the team from midfield. The defensive midfielder is crucial for maintaining tempo and helping the team find different goalscorers weekly. Coffey herself contributed in Week 9, converting a penalty and assisting another goal.
Forward: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign)
The rookie class continues to impress, and Dahlien is increasingly challenging for opposing defenders to handle in the final third. She isn`t afraid to take on defenders, is effective in counter-pressing, and actively tracks back while generating attacks. She accounted for three of Seattle`s four total shots.
Forward: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
The Japan international scored her first goals of the season for North Carolina with a breakout two-goal performance that could signal a turning point. The 20-year-old, now in her third year, led the team with five total shots and created two chances.
Forward: Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns)
Earning her first goal and first Team of the Week honors, the Thorns rookie showcased her skills. She used a flick for her first touch, then eluded her defender before turning and taking her shot. This goal extended the Thorns` lead and helped Portland push their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Coach: Albertin Montoya (Bay FC)
By changing tactics and rotating players, Montoya added an unpredictable element for Bay FC this week. This was a significant positive for a team that hadn`t won in three weeks. The focus now shifts to finding a consistent path forward.
Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)
After a week where thoughts were with defender Savy King following her emergency heart surgery, her impact was felt across Matchweek 9. The 20-year-old is now recovering at home, and players and teams across the league navigated another emotional week, highlighting that some things are more important than soccer.
Benedict Kingsley