The second week of the 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season brought exciting matchups, with several games featuring teams that were among the top contenders last year. These early games may provide insights into the potential playoff picture for 2025, and they definitely set the stage for competition among the league`s best teams. While some teams earned their first points of the season, others are proving to be unexpected contenders or showing strong signs of recovery.
Games between former semifinalists were particularly thrilling. Gotham FC suffered a 0-2 defeat at home against Orlando Pride, the reigning NWSL Shield and Championship winners. Meanwhile, Kansas City Current won their away game against Washington Spirit, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup champions, with a 2-0 victory. It`s not surprising that several players from both Pride and Current are featured in this week`s Best XI.
Throughout the 2025 season, the Team of the Week will highlight 11 of the most impressive players from each week`s matches.
Although it`s still early in the season, fans can watch selected NWSL regular season games on various CBS platforms, including CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Forwards
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Despite not scoring, Banda was a dominant presence all over the field against Gotham FC. Her constant activity and pressure kept the Gotham defense under strain throughout the game, even when clear shots were hard to come by.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): Chawinga`s pursuit of another NWSL Golden Boot is well underway. She scored a goal in her team`s 3-1 victory over Washington Spirit. Her dynamic movement and sharp finishing ability were crucial late in the match, helping her team maintain their undefeated start to the season and highlighting her excellent early-season form.
Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC): The French international had a significant impact on her game, providing an assist and consistently challenging defenders. Besides creating opportunities for her teammates, she actively pressed opponents to regain possession.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): The Brazilian international delivered another outstanding all-around performance in week two. She led the team in chances created with five, was second in total shots and shots on target with three each, and was a consistent contributor to the team`s attacking play.
Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL player scored a goal from a penalty and celebrated with another memorable goal celebration. She played a key role in disrupting opposition attacks and led her team with eight ball recoveries.
Ally Watt (Orlando Pride): While her position in the Best XI might be debated, given her attacking prowess, Opta lists her as a right attacking midfielder, and she`s recognized here in that role. When not attempting shots or crosses, she focused on winning back possession for Orlando.
Defenders
Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current): Sharples has been a consistent and reliable defender for the Current since joining last year. She appears to be the long-term partner for Alana Cook in central defense for the Current, and she was second on the team in clearances with eight and in duels won with three.
Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC): Sonnett`s leadership and organization in defense suggest that Gotham will be a tough and well-structured team to play against. She effectively connects passes when her team has the ball and aggressively wins it back when they don`t. She led defenders in ball recoveries against Orlando Pride with four.
Rafaelle (Orlando Pride): The Pride are increasing Rafaelle`s playing time as she is a valuable asset to their defense when healthy. Despite playing only 45 minutes, she was second on the team with seven clearances.
Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC): The Reign`s second-year defender earned her place in the Best XI mainly due to her offensive contribution. Bugg scored a remarkable goal from nearly 40 yards out, her first professional goal, and was second on her team with five clearances.
Goalkeeper
Anna Moorehouse (Orlando Pride): The English international is again featured in the Best XI after another clean sheet in week two. She faced 20 crosses and 15 shots, making four saves to continue Orlando`s shutout streak.
