The 2025 National Women`s Soccer League season recently navigated its thirteenth week, marking a significant milestone: the approximate halfway point. This particular week carried extra weight, serving as the final opportunity for all fourteen clubs to compete for valuable points before the league enters an extended pause for international tournaments.
With a five-week hiatus looming, the pressure was on players across the league to deliver impactful performances. And deliver they did. The analysis following Week 13 highlighted a collection of athletes and a coach whose contributions were deemed exceptional in this crucial pre-break phase. Selecting just eleven players from a roster of over 300 becomes increasingly challenging as the season progresses, a testament to the rising level of competition.
Week 13 provided a compelling snapshot of the league`s talent, showcasing defensive resilience, midfield control, and attacking prowess. The chosen Team of the Week represents those who truly distinguished themselves when their teams needed it most before dispersing for global duty or a temporary rest.
Defensive Foundation: The Backline Standouts
Success in football often begins with a solid defense, and Week 13 featured several players who anchored their teams effectively. In goal, Lorena of Kansas City Current continued her impressive form, notably with a crucial penalty save that secured three points. Her league-leading clean sheet record speaks for itself, suggesting she’s been a shrewd acquisition.
Defenders like Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current) and Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit) earned repeat selections, underscoring their consistent importance. Sharples, particularly, has evolved her game, adding significant ball-playing ability to her defensive leadership for a Kansas City side known for shutting opponents down. McKeown`s defensive organization and unexpected forays forward were key for the Spirit`s resilience. Arin Wright of Racing Louisville FC also returned to the list, her set-piece threat and defensive positioning contributing significantly to her team`s strong recent run of form.
Even in a losing effort, Alyssa Malonson of Bay FC was recognized for her consistent defensive work rate and ability to read the game, indicating individual quality can shine even when team results disappoint.
Midfield Engines: Controlling the Tempo
The midfield battleground saw players dictating play and providing vital links between defense and attack. Sam Coffey of Portland Thorns FC is becoming a familiar face on the Team of the Week, her quick decision-making and passing range proving instrumental, including delivering a game-winning assist in Week 13.
Taylor Flint has emerged as another consistent force for Racing Louisville, leading her team in multiple defensive metrics from midfield while also contributing offensively from the penalty spot. Joining the list for the first time this season was South Korea international Ji So-yun from Seattle Reign FC. Her experience and technical flair were evident, contributing both an assist and a well-taken goal in a dominant road victory.
Attacking Threats: Finding the Net When It Matters
Ultimately, matches are won by scoring, and Week 13 provided several examples of clinical finishing and decisive assists. Seattle Reign`s 19-year-old Emeri Adames made headlines, bagging two goals in a single game – a feat that places her among the youngest players in league history to do so. Her composure, both from the penalty spot and in open play, signals significant potential.
Manaka Matsukubo of North Carolina Courage also proved decisive, providing a game-winning assist as her team subtly improved their position near the playoff line heading into the break. And completing the potent Kansas City Current representation, Bia Zaneratto delivered the crucial game-winning goal, ensuring the Current maintain their reputation for finding a way to win, often dramatically.
Leadership on the Sideline and Beyond
Behind many successful team performances is effective coaching. Bev Yanez earned coaching honors for guiding Racing Louisville FC to five wins in their last seven matches, a remarkable surge in form that sees them hitting their stride at a critical juncture. Her ability to organize and motivate the squad has been evident.
Finally, special recognition was given to the Washington Spirit locker room collectively. Despite facing significant off-field challenges, including their seventh head coaching change since 2021 occurring effectively mid-season as Jonatan Giraldez departed early, the players have maintained a commendable level of unity, competitiveness, and focus, remaining firmly in playoff contention. It`s a testament to the professional environment they have fostered amongst themselves.
As the NWSL enters its international break, these standout performances from Week 13 provide a compelling narrative heading into the pause. The players and coach recognized demonstrated not just individual skill, but the timely impact required to influence results before the league takes a well-deserved, albeit lengthy, breather.
