As the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season officially reached its halfway point, Week 13 delivered a final surge of action before the league pauses for a significant summer break dedicated to international tournaments. With all fourteen clubs vying for crucial points one last time, a multitude of players showcased exceptional performances. Following this pivotal weekend, analysts from “Attacking Third” compiled their selection of the Best XI, along with a Head Coach and Honorary Captain, recognizing the most impactful contributions across the league.
Identifying just eleven players from a pool of over 300 becomes increasingly challenging as the season progresses and form solidifies. However, the standout displays in Week 13 left little doubt for some selections, highlighting both consistent excellence and timely heroics.
Goalkeeper
Lorena (Kansas City Current): Leading the league in clean sheets with six and boasting the second-highest save percentage among goalkeepers with significant playing time, Lorena has proven to be one of the season`s most astute offseason acquisitions. Her presence has significantly bolstered Kansas City`s defensive structure, and a critical penalty save in Week 13 underscored her value in securing maximum points for her side.
Defenders
Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC): While Bay FC looks to regroup during the break for a potential second-half playoff push, Alyssa Malonson has remained a picture of defensive consistency. Her ability to cover ground and win the ball, including key interceptions, has been a reliable asset on the backline, even in challenging matchups. Her defensive intelligence, particularly her ability to read the game and initiate play, has not gone unnoticed.
Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): Earning another appearance on the Team of the Week, Kayla Sharples continues to impress as an anchor and vocal leader for Kansas City`s defense. Her consistent play has been instrumental in the Current achieving six shutouts this season. Beyond her defensive solidity, her confidence and capability in playing the ball out from the back have added another dimension to her game this year.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): A repeat selection, Tara McKeown demonstrated a dominating defensive presence in Week 13. The Spirit have shown commendable resilience against offensive pressure, a trait McKeown often embodies. She led her team in total touches and clearances this week and fearlessly ventured higher up the pitch from her central defensive role, contributing significantly to the team`s structure and transition.
Arin Wright (Racing Louisville FC): Racing Louisville`s impressive run of form, with five wins in their last seven games, owes much to the contributions of captain Arin Wright. Returning to the Team of the Week, she showcased her versatility, including set piece proficiency, strong positioning, and scoring a clinical header that highlighted her impact at both ends of the field.
Midfielders
Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC): Another familiar face on the list, captain Sam Coffey guided the Portland Thorns to victory through her characteristic quick thinking and decisive play on the ball. Her midfield command was capped off by delivering the game-winning assist, proving her critical role in the Thorns` attack.
Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC): Beyond Arin Wright`s leadership, Taylor Flint has provided consistent, impactful shifts in Racing`s midfield. As a defensive midfielder, she leads her team in key defensive metrics including tackles, duels, clearances, and interceptions at the season`s midpoint. Furthermore, she has become the team`s reliable penalty kick specialist, netting her third goal of the season, the second from the spot, in Week 13.
Ji So-yun (Seattle Reign FC): Making her debut on the Team of the Week this season, the South Korea international brought experience and flair to Seattle`s dominant performance. She not only provided a crucial assist but also scored a well-taken goal from close range, showcasing her technical quality and impact in breaking down the opposition defense.
Forwards
Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign): In Seattle`s four-goal outburst, 19-year-old Emeri Adames netted two. Her performance highlighted remarkable maturity for her age, converting a penalty with composure and scoring another from open play. Her brace secured her a spot in the league record books as the second-youngest player to score two goals in a single NWSL game.
Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage): The Courage have quietly climbed the standings and sit just outside the playoff places at the break. Manaka Matsukubo`s recent form provides a significant boost, making her return to the Best XI justified. Her contribution included delivering the game-winning assist in a crucial match.
Bia Zanerrato (Kansas City Current): Matching her Brazilian compatriot Lorena`s impact at the back, Bia Zanerrato delivered the decisive goal for the Kansas City Current in Week 13. Her timely goal secured the win and underscored the Current`s continued ability to find ways to get results, maintaining their status as a formidable attacking force.
Coach
Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC): Leading Racing Louisville to five wins in their last seven matches, Head Coach Bev Yanez has instilled not only the ability to get results but also a palpable sense of confidence within the squad. Racing`s historical struggles near the playoff line are well-documented, making their current strong form entering the summer break a testament to Yanez`s coaching and tactical approach. The real test, of course, comes when the season resumes.
Honorary Captain
Washington Spirit Locker Room: As the NWSL pauses, the Washington Spirit prepares for yet another head coaching transition, their seventh since 2021 – a statistic that might politely be termed `a dynamic period.` Jonatan Giraldez`s departure was anticipated, but his final matches were missed as Adrian Gonzalez began his tenure slightly ahead of schedule. Despite this revolving door in leadership, the players within the Washington Spirit locker room have maintained remarkable unity, competitive spirit, and, critically, their position within playoff contention throughout the first half of the season. This resilience and collective focus in the face of external change truly warrant recognition.
With the league now taking its international break, these players and coach represent the peak of form going into the pause. Attention will soon turn to the international stage before the NWSL gears up for the second half of the 2025 season.
Adrian Whitmore