NWSL Team of the Week: USWNT Talent and International Stars Shine After Break

The 2025 NWSL regular season resumed following a short pause for the international window, and Week 11 action proved to be well worth the wait. Highlights included dramatic late-game winners, significant career milestones, and top playoff contenders demonstrating their elite form. Amidst the excitement, numerous players delivered standout individual performances, prompting the return of Attacking Third`s Team of the Week selections.

Throughout the 2025 NWSL campaign, Attacking Third analysts select a Best XI and a coach based on exceptional performances witnessed over the weekend. As the season approaches its halfway point, it`s not surprising to see players from the league`s leading clubs make repeat appearances, given their positions in the upper half of the table.

However, representation isn`t limited to just the top teams. Angel City is featured in this week`s lineup following their thrilling 2-2 draw against Chicago Stars FC. Several players, including the selected coach, are making their debut appearances on our team of the week.

Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)

The goalkeeper leads American players in her position across the league through 10 games in several key metrics: save percentage (74.4%), goals against (10), crosses faced (198), and crosses claimed (12). As USWNT head coach Emma Hayes aptly puts it, “the data don`t lie,” and Dickey produced a crucial save against a challenging San Diego side this past week.

Defender: Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)

The Mexican international has showcased her versatility and impact for the Washington Spirit, effectively operating across different lines. Rebeca Bernal has competently filled roles as both a defensive midfielder and a center back for the team. This week, Bernal was particularly effective at stopping opponent attacks from the backline. According to her Spirit teammate Esme Morgan, wherever she plays, she brings immense energy.

“She`s such a strong defender. She loves going and winning aerial balls from long goal kicks, you kind of see the ball coming into the air and you know Rebe is going to come flying through to win it,” Morgan told Attacking Third after the game. “She loves flinging herself in front of the ball for blocks and making strong tackles. I feel like she`s a really secure presence there.”

Defender: Ellie Jean (Racing Louisville FC)

Racing Louisville is moving closer to their objective of securing a playoff spot, a goal that requires sustained consistency. Experienced players like Ellie Jean are vital to achieving this. The veteran center back delivered a significant performance, contributing by shutting down opponent attacks and also making an impact offensively by scoring a goal.

Defender: Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit)

Marking her third consecutive appearance on our team of the week, Casey Krueger continues her impressive form. Whether the veteran defender is tracking down opposing transitional plays, scoring goals, or providing key passes, her consistent, high-level performance has rightfully earned widespread praise.

Defender: M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)

A formidable presence in Angel City`s defense, M.A. Vignola combines intelligent defensive play with forward-thinking vision when attacking. These qualities were fully on display during Week 11, highlighted by her winning back possession and scoring the equalizer for the home side.

Midfielder: Narumi Miura (Washington Spirit)

Narumi Miura is back in our Best XI after several weeks, making a purposeful return. The Japanese international was influential in the midfield, leading her team in total touches (59) and chances created (three), and also provided an assist for Gift Monday`s goal. Despite rotating players to manage various injuries across the roster, Miura has provided a crucial point of consistency for the Spirit.

Midfielder: Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC)

Scoring her first career NWSL goal in a significant way earned Sally Menti a spot on our team of the week. She was a valuable addition to the midfield during an away match against a difficult opponent. Ranking second on the team in recoveries (seven), her contribution was notable not just in winning the ball but also in her effective play after gaining possession.

Midfielder: Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)

While attention might unfortunately fixate on a late own goal, actively ignoring Vanessa DiBernardo`s immense efforts over the preceding 100 minutes would be reflective of the lack of individual recognition she has often received throughout her career. Not this week, and not from us. She is included in our Best XI for consistently doing the essential hard work, both on and off the ball, that doesn`t always appear on the scoresheet. Furthermore, she reached a significant milestone, becoming the fifth player in NWSL history to achieve 200 regular-season appearances.

Forward: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)

The Nigerian international scored her fourth goal of the season in a game characterized by stretches of end-to-end action. Gift Monday has been a significant bright spot for the Spirit as they navigate player rotation due to a carousel of injuries. Her movement within the penalty area was particularly impressive, as were her efforts to redirect the ball with a diving header for the goal.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is firmly back in contention for this year`s race. Temwa Chawinga`s game-winning goal came just 11 minutes into a rainy match against Gotham FC. Chawinga is a master of timing and movement; if she gains even a slight advantage over her defensive marker, it`s often already too late for the opposition.

Forward: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current)

Fresh from another camp with the U.S. women`s national team, Michelle Cooper returned to league action immediately impactful and dangerous. Kansas City`s pressing strategy is effective and clinical, and the young forward displayed her fearless approach by scoring the opening goal just three minutes into the game.

Coach: Laura Harvey (Seattle Reign FC)

Laura Harvey guided her team to a victory in what was a tactical masterclass against San Diego. This win also marked a historic achievement, making her the first coach in NWSL history to reach the 250-match milestone at the helm. She is the sole coach in the league`s history to surpass 200 matches, and we look forward to seeing her set even more records.

Captain: Savy King (Angel City FC)

Defender Savy King was present at BMO Stadium following her successful emergency heart surgery. Her presence at the game served as a simple, powerful reminder that some things are indeed bigger than soccer, and the league is undeniably a better and stronger place with her involved.