NWSL Team of the Week: Lynn Biyendolo hits her stride in Seattle, Kenza Dali becomes a fixture in San Diego

The 2025 NWSL regular season has reached its quarter-mark, bringing back the Attacking Third Team of the Week. Following the weekly matches, Attacking Third analysts choose the best XI players and a coach based on their outstanding performances over the weekend.

As teams head towards the season`s midpoint, consistent standouts are likely to make repeat appearances. You can track the selections week by week.

Seven match weeks have now passed, with selected NWSL regular season games available across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Take a look at our best XI:

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars FC)

The veteran keeper recorded her first shutout of the season facing a strong Gotham FC team. Naeher stopped five of 15 shots, notably making a critical save right on the goal line in injury time.

Defender: Phoebe McClernon (Seattle Reign FC)

The central defender anchored a three-player backline against one of the league`s top attacking squads. She has become a reliable starter for the Reign`s defense, appearing in every match this season. Her efforts in limiting Kansas City`s scoring threats in Week 7 were essential, especially given the 13 shots faced by the Seattle defense.

Defender: Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)

Kayla Sharples has found her place on Kansas City`s defensive line. The center back provides added security alongside Alana Cook and is a danger on set pieces. She scored a heading goal in week five, making it look effortless as she rose above others in the penalty area.

Defender: Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave FC)

The 17-year-old rookie is growing more comfortable with each start in San Diego`s defense, playing alongside second-year center back Kennedy Wesley. She effectively neutralized significant attacks from regional rivals Bay FC and also netted her first professional goal – a crucial game-winning strike late in the match.

Defender: Reyna Reyes (Portland Thorns FC)

Reyes literally stepped up for the Thorns in Week 7 by scoring the game-winning goal against reigning champions Orlando Pride. She has proven to be a dependable presence on the Thorns` backline this season. The outside back maintained her inverted run and positioning near the top of the box to score the winner.

Midfielder: Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)

The France international is almost a regular fixture on our team of the week at this point. In another strong performance, the experienced veteran successfully closed down opposition passing lanes and created intelligent spaces to operate. San Diego continues to perform well, largely thanks to Dali`s influence in midfield.

Midfielder: Denise O`Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)

The long-serving Courage captain has played a key role in guiding North Carolina back on track. The Irish international is orchestrating play, helping teammates connect passes and stabilize possession.

Midfielder: Katie Zelem (Angel City FC)

The England international has stepped up as an experienced leader in a young Angel City squad finding form. Whether holding strong in midfield alongside Alana Kennedy or showing clinical ability with more starts, she has quickly become vital in balancing a younger lineup with veteran presence.

Forward: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC)

The U.S. women`s national team forward scored the game winner in her third start for Seattle. The long-time league veteran joined the team in the offseason and has been gradually working her way back into the starting lineup. Her impact has been immediate; she is effective in counter-pressing situations and creates space for other attackers in coach Laura Harvey`s system.

Forward: Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)

The rookie of the year race is heating up just seven weeks into the season, and the Angel City forward is in excellent form, earning her first spot on our team of the week. She has scored four goals in five games and was the match hero with a game-winning goal in stoppage time.

Forward: Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)

As the Courage continue to find their rhythm, Ashley Sanchez is a significant contributor. While there might be debate about classifying an attacking midfielder among forwards, now in her sixth season, she is a veteran player capable of taking over games, which she did in Week 7. She has been used both as a starter and off the bench, and if healthy, she will remain a crucial factor in Courage matches moving forward.

Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)

Coaching through not one, but two lightning delays? We had to award Coach of the Week honors to Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez. She kept her team focused and calm while on the road in Houston, enduring one delay that lasted nearly two hours. The win marks two consecutive positive results for a side that struggled during the first quarter of the regular season.