NWSL Team of the Week: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC), Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit) Lead Week 5 Best XI

The 2025 NWSL regular season continued with week five action, and following the weekend fixtures, Attacking Third analysts have selected their team of the week, highlighting standout performances from players and coaches across the league.

As the season approaches the quarter point, various players and coaches can earn Team of the Week honors, even those from teams with strong performances in non-winning efforts. Certain trends are becoming apparent in this week`s selection.

With much of the season remaining, some defenders, like Emily Sonnett and Rebeca Bernal, are making repeat appearances, while others featured previously are absent this week. Although Brazilian international Debinha isn`t in the Week 5 team, a Kansas City Current teammate joins the list again.

Five weeks of matches are now complete, with Week 6 getting underway. Fans can catch selected NWSL regular season games across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Here is the Best XI for Week 5:

Goalkeeper: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)

Another clean sheet for Aubrey Kingsbury, this time against a very creative Orlando attack. She made crucial saves in a game where she faced 20 attempts, recording six saves.

Defender: Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)

Emily Sonnett is taking on increased defensive responsibilities as Gotham manages injuries to their back line and experiments with players in new roles. She made significant contributions with key blocks, and her experience helps keep the defense organized.

Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)

Kayla Sharples has established herself on Kansas City`s backline. The centerback provides security alongside Alana Cook and is a threat from set pieces. She executed a header with ease during week five, towering over defenders in the box.

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

Appearing stronger and more confident when pushing forward with other talent around her. She was fifth on the team in clearances (five) and effectively tracked Orlando`s attackers while connecting with teammates.

Defender: Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)

This is only the second time Bernal has been included in our Team of the Week, but after five starts for the Spirit, she`s back and performing strongly. Bernal led the team in total touches (70), pass attempts (53), and total clearances (9) while successfully keeping Barbra Banda from scoring.

Midfielder: Kiki Pickett (Bay FC)

Kiki Pickett is known for scoring goals from distance, but this is her first appearance on our Team of the Week. This week, however, she achieved both distinctions. She often goes unnoticed as a reliable central midfielder, but she earns this honor after scoring a stunning game-winning goal away from home against North Carolina.

Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)

The France international was one of several international offseason acquisitions made by Wave FC and continues to perform effectively in midfield for a San Diego side that has been in need of a true connective midfielder.

Midfielder: Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)

The experienced veteran has now converted 12 of 13 penalty attempts, and her week five opportunity was both composed and clinical. Of course, the midfielder accompanied the penalty conversion with her signature goal celebration.

Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)

The Spain international continued her scoring form with another brace in week five. Her off-ball work in defensive presses is equally impressive as her runs to find effective scoring positions. She has entered the NWSL Golden Boot race conversation, propelling her club back into playoff contention.

Forward: Delphie Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC)

The France international joined the Wave late in the 2024 season and showed glimpses of her potential if given a full season. She`s been in fine form to start the 2025 campaign. Her two goals and an assist against Louisville this week earned her a spot on this week`s Best XI.

Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)

A standout moment from Monday when she scored her first NWSL goal. It proved to be a decisive game-winner for a big three points against reigning champions Orlando Pride.

“It was an opportunity where she was just being gritty. She came out of Anna Morehouse`s sight on the right side, blocked her, and it resulted in a goal. I thought it was brilliant, making something out of nothing, and what a statement to knock out the big dogs and give them their first loss,” Darian Jenkins said on Attacking Third.

Coach: Jonatan Giraldez (Washington Spirit)

With recent news of star winger Trinity Rodman being sidelined indefinitely due to a back injury, it could be a significant setback for a squad currently managing multiple injury concerns across the roster ahead of a big opponent like the Orlando Pride. Still, the squad depth is apparent, and if the goal is to keep games tight and secure results as the season progresses, Giraldez has built a team capable of this.