As the 2025 NWSL regular season inches closer to its climactic conclusion, Week 17 served as a potent reminder of the league`s electrifying drama and the sheer will of its athletes. With just nine weeks remaining, the playoff picture is sharpening, and every match holds monumental weight. This week, we witnessed individual brilliance not just influencing games, but reshaping narratives, creating history, and leaving an indelible mark on the championship chase. Forget mere victories; this was a showcase of strategic mastery, unyielding defense, and offensive fireworks that truly set the pitch alight.
The National Women`s Soccer League, ever a theater of the unpredictable, delivered a Week 17 that felt less like a series of fixtures and more like a collection of mini-epics. From record-breaking comebacks to defiant defensive stands, the performances were a testament to the growing competitive intensity. Let`s delve into the standout individuals and moments that defined this pivotal week, proving that in the NWSL, the unexpected is often the most exhilarating.
- The Unstoppable XI: Week 17`s Defining Players
- Goalkeeper: Hannah Seabert (Angel City FC)
- Defense: The Architects of Resilience and Record-Breakers
- Midfield: The Engines, Enforcers, and Playmakers
- Forward: The Game-Changers and Record Setters
- Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville)
- Honorary Captain: Bay FC Ownership Group
The Unstoppable XI: Week 17`s Defining Players
Goalkeeper: Hannah Seabert (Angel City FC)
Angel City FC`s Hannah Seabert earned her spot with a second consecutive clean sheet, a feat that speaks volumes in a league known for its potent offenses. With four crucial saves and an impressive handling of 20 crosses, Seabert wasn`t just guarding the net; she was orchestrating her defense, proving that sometimes, the best offense is an impenetrable last line.
Defense: The Architects of Resilience and Record-Breakers
- Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC): In a game where the Stars conceded three, Staab`s inclusion might raise an eyebrow, but her contribution was undeniably crucial. Delivering two assists to Ludmila in a monumental three-goal comeback, she showcased that defensive solidity isn`t always about clean sheets, but about driving the team forward, even from the back.
- Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals): The Royals` center back was a defensive linchpin, effectively nullifying Gotham FC`s golden boot contender, Esther Gonzalez. Del Fava`s performance secured another clean sheet for Utah, transforming them into a formidable opponent, built from the back.
- Ellie Wheeler (Kansas City Current): When defenders start scoring, you know it`s been a special week. Wheeler’s heads-up darting run and decisive goal off a set piece added another dimension to the already dangerous Kansas City Current. It’s not just Temwa Chawinga scoring anymore; the goals are coming from all angles.
- Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign): Reign`s veteran fullback redefined versatility. Operating as a third center back in a tactical shift, Huerta not only adapted flawlessly but also set a new league assist record with her 32nd career assist. Her ability to contribute offensively while anchoring a flexible backline is a testament to her enduring class.
Midfield: The Engines, Enforcers, and Playmakers
- Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit): A welcome return to form for the Washington Spirit. Bethune`s first goal since her eight-month injury layoff was more than just a score; it was a statement. Her impact signals a timely resurgence for the Spirit as the playoffs loom.
- Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville): Louisville`s towering central midfielder was a force of nature. Beyond her aerial prowess, interceptions, and tackles, Flint dictated the tempo against a quality opponent, demonstrating why she`s a critical cog in Racing Louisville`s machinery. As analyst Jordan Angeli noted, she “shepherded” transitions into advantageous situations.
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current): At just 19, Hutton continues to impress, earning another Best XI honor. Her clinic against the likes of Portland Thorns` Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita was a masterclass in midfield dominance. Her newfound calmness on the ball, combined with her defensive prowess, makes her a truly “beast” in the middle, as Angeli aptly described.
Forward: The Game-Changers and Record Setters
- Ludmila (Seattle Reign FC): This is where the narrative takes a dramatic turn. Coming off the bench with Chicago Stars down three goals, Brazilian international Ludmila delivered a hat trick in a mind-boggling 10 minutes. This wasn`t just a comeback; it was NWSL history, setting the record for the fastest three goals scored. Ludmila single-handedly snatched an unbeaten run for her team from the jaws of defeat. Pure, unadulterated chaos, brilliantly executed.
- Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC): For Angel City, a win had been elusive since May 9th. Enter Alyssa Thompson, whose clinical finish – a masterful slice and dice inside the box followed by a hammered goal – secured the game-winner. Her strike wasn`t just a goal; it was a sigh of relief and a renewed sense of purpose for her club.
- Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC): While Kundananji might lead her team in shots, her goal during Bay FC`s historic game at Oracle Park was more than just adding to her tally. It was a testament to her relentless work ethic and an affirmation of her impact on a team making waves in their inaugural season.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville)
Bev Yanez`s repeat appearance in the Best XI is no fluke. Racing Louisville`s transformation under her guidance is palpable. With playoffs now a tangible aspiration, her strategic acumen and leadership are clearly brewing something special in Kentucky.
Honorary Captain: Bay FC Ownership Group
Celebrating an attendance record in their inaugural 2024 season and then topping it in 2025? That`s ambition personified. Brandi Chastain, Danielle Slaton, Leslie Osborn, and Aly Wagner, the former players and club founders, not only envisioned the potential in the Bay but brought it to life, culminating in 40,091 fans at Oracle Park. Their vision isn`t just about soccer; it`s about building a legacy and a community, one record-breaking attendance figure at a time.
Week 17 of the 2025 NWSL season wasn`t just another set of games; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with moments of individual brilliance, strategic triumphs, and a collective push towards glory. From Ludmila`s astonishing hat-trick that rewrote the record books to Bay FC`s ownership demonstrating the immense growth potential of women`s soccer, this week underscored the league`s undeniable appeal.
As the regular season`s clock ticks down, these performances serve as a powerful narrative. They remind us that the NWSL is not just a league of exceptional athletes, but a stage where history is constantly being made, where passion meets precision, and where every single week holds the promise of something truly spectacular. The race to the playoffs is officially red-hot, and if Week 17 is any indication, we`re in for an unforgettable finish.
