NWSL Team of the Week: Highlighting Top Performers in Week 8

The 2025 NWSL regular season has now passed the quarter mark, and with that, the `Attacking Third` Team of the Week returns. After reviewing the weekly matches throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, the analysts at `Attacking Third` select a Best XI and a Coach based on their outstanding performances during the weekend`s games.

Eight weeks into the season, some players are repeat selections for our Team of the Week, while others are making their first appearance on our list this season. If you`re following along, you can check out our week seven team of the week.

Here is the Best XI selection:

Goalkeeper: Abby Smith (Houston Dash)

The veteran keeper was given the start in Houston`s tactical road game against Seattle. Smith joined Houston as a free agent in the offseason. Post-game, head coach Fabrice Gautrat confirmed the decision to start Smith over long-time captain Jane Campbell was a strategic one, crediting Smith`s training efforts. The team plans to continue evaluating options week-to-week as they move past the quarter mark.

In her first regular season start since August 2023, the goalkeeper made a crucial late-game save to preserve Houston`s one-goal advantage. She and the Dash defense successfully shut out Seattle.

Defender: Perle Morroni (San Diego Wave FC)

The France international covered significant ground against the Portland Thorns, often pushing higher up the pitch and actively participating in playmaking. The outside back was key in generating offensive sequences, linking up with midfielders Savannah McCaskill and Kenza Dali, and provided the assist for San Diego`s only goal.

Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)

While Chicago continues to struggle with results, Sam Staab`s effort has been consistently strong. The experienced defender has been a vital part of Chicago keeping games competitive this season, and in week eight, she demonstrated her attacking capabilities. She led the team in total touches (71) and got on the scoreboard with a goal against her former club.

Darian Jenkins commented on Attacking Third, “Back from injury, she doesn`t just have a long throw and a powerful left foot; she can finish chances as well.”

“She initiated the play, was involved in midfield, played a forward pass, and then you see her long strides carrying her upfield as she continued her run… There`s a long cross, and she ends up perfectly positioned to score for Chicago. I wanted to highlight her because we don`t have many Chicago players on the list, and she truly earned this spot.”

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

A recurring theme for the defenders in this week`s Best XI is their offensive impact. The former forward is accustomed to contributing to attacking play, and this was clearly evident on the road against Chicago.

Defender: Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current)

Have you heard this one before? An outside back who was crucial to her team`s attack? That perfectly describes Hailie Mace for Kansas City in week eight. The fullback delivered not one, but two assists for the Current. While the coaching staff has depth on the backline, Mace`s consistent coverage and combination play are making it difficult to rotate her out of the lineup.

Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville FC)

Louisville has finally begun to find its rhythm, and Taylor Flint in the midfield has been a major contributor to their success. The central midfielder scored a stunning game-winning goal, the only tally of the match, and also led the team in aerial challenges (9).

Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)

Another appearance on our Best XI for the Irish international, who remains a reliable presence for the Courage after week eight. She was a crucial and dependable player as the team made tactical adjustments to face a tough Orlando Pride challenge, showing she can execute whatever assignment she`s given.

Midfielder: Debinha (Kansas City Current)

The Brazilian international is back on our Best XI after a spectacular performance against Bay FC. Week after week, she is strengthening her case for MVP. As teams settle in past the quarter mark of the season, Debinha appears to be just hitting her stride. Whether scoring from open play or a dead ball situation, she has been clinical through week eight.

Forward: Rosemonde Kouassi (Washington Spirit)

As the Spirit navigate roster injuries, several players are working their way back, and arguably none more important than the Ivorian international. Acquired mid-season last year, she has returned to form and had a breakout performance against Chicago with a goal, an assist, and created just enough chaos to force an own goal.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

Finally back on the scoresheet and our Best XI after a four-game goalless streak, Chawinga sealed the Current`s dominant victory against Bay FC. The coaching staff has been cautious as the star striker has managed a persistent hip injury, but the reigning Golden Boot winner showed no signs of slowing down in week eight.

Forward: Christen Press (Angel City FC)

While Angel City`s coaching staff has focused on developing young stars and creating exciting games, the veteran forward reminded everyone of the importance of balance on the roster, especially in high-pressure matches. Substituted into the second half, poised to play her longest minutes all season, she needed just 20 seconds to completely change the course of the game. The young squad also relied on her presence as they handled the emotional situation surrounding a medical emergency involving Savy King.

Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)

Coaching through not one, but two lightning delays? Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez definitely deserved Coach of the Week honors. She kept her team focused and composed during a challenging road game in Houston, navigating a delay that lasted nearly two hours. The victory secured consecutive positive results for a team that faced difficulties earlier in the season.