With only nine weeks remaining in the 2025 NWSL regular season, individual player performances are reaching peak intensity. Week 17 brought a welcome increase in victories over draws, though the action remained unpredictable. As numerous teams vie for playoff spots, certain standout players have emerged as clear contenders for a place in our NWSL Team of the Week.
Following each round of matches throughout the 2025 NWSL season, analysts from Attacking Third carefully choose an ideal Starting XI, a head coach, and an honorary captain, all based on their outstanding contributions during the weekend`s games.
Upcoming Week 18 NWSL regular season matches will be broadcast on various CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
- The Week 17 Best XI: Standout Performers
- Goalkeeper: Hannah Seabert (Angel City FC)
- Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
- Defender: Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals)
- Defender: Ellie Wheeler (Kansas City Current)
- Defender: Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign)
- Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
- Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville)
- Midfielder: Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
- Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
- Forward: Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
- Forward: Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC)
- Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville)
- Honorary Captain: Bay FC Ownership Group
The Week 17 Best XI: Standout Performers
Here`s a closer look at the exceptional players who shone brightest in the NWSL`s eventful Week 17, forming our Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Hannah Seabert (Angel City FC)
Hannah Seabert earns her first Best XI recognition after securing a second consecutive clean sheet. Her two shutouts in two starts were pivotal for Angel City`s victory, highlighted by four saves and effectively managing 20 crosses.
Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)
While allowing three goals isn`t ideal for a defensive line, Chicago`s determination to achieve results is a collective effort. Sam Staab played a crucial role in the Stars` remarkable three-goal comeback, providing two key assists to Ludmila.
Defender: Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals)
This center-back is proving to be a formidable presence, transforming Utah into a challenging adversary. She was instrumental in stifling Gotham FC`s golden boot hopeful, Esther Gonzalez, and contributing to another clean sheet for the Royals.
Defender: Ellie Wheeler (Kansas City Current)
In a week marked by defensive uncertainties throughout the league, it`s particularly noteworthy for a goal-scoring defender to earn a spot. The Kansas City Current, already a formidable force with leading scorer Temwa Chawinga, are now seeing defenders contribute to the goal tally. Wheeler`s astute run from a set piece and confident strike were undeniable highlights, earning her a place in our Best XI.
Defender: Sofia Huerta (Seattle Reign)
Offensive contributions from defenders were a recurring theme in Week 17, and Reign fullback Sofia Huerta exemplified this. Operating as a third center-back within coach Laura Harvey`s three-player backline, the veteran wide defender broke a new league record with her 32nd career assist.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit are seeing key players return just when it matters most. Midfielder Croix Bethune made a significant impact after rejoining the squad before the mid-season break, netting her first goal since recovering from an eight-month injury.
Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville)
Taylor Flint`s presence on the field is unmistakable, not only due to her height but also her comprehensive contributions. The central midfielder for Louisville excelled in aerial duels, interceptions, and tackles, and was vital in dictating the team`s tempo. Her performance was particularly effective against a strong Week 17 opponent. Analyst Jordan Angeli commented on Attacking Third, “When San Diego transitioned, I believe there were multiple instances where she expertly guided the play into situations where her team had numerical superiority. Taylor Flint, once again, delivered an excellent game.”
Midfielder: Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
Nineteen-year-old midfielder Claire Hutton continues her impressive run, earning another Best XI spot this week. She delivered a masterclass performance against one of the season`s most in-form midfields, featuring Thorns players Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita. Angeli described her as “a beast in that game [against Portland]. Last year, her defensive skills were exceptional, but she sometimes lacked composure on the ball. It now seems she has successfully integrated these two aspects of her game.”
Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
The Chicago Stars extended their unbeaten streak to four games, largely thanks to an extraordinary performance from Brazilian international Ludmila in Week 17. Coming off the bench, she not only helped the Stars overcome a three-goal deficit but also scored a hat trick in just 10 minutes, setting a new NWSL record for the fastest three goals in history.
Forward: Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
Angel City broke their winless streak, which had lasted since May 9, courtesy of a precise finish by forward Alyssa Thompson. The striker skillfully navigated the penalty area before powerfully striking the ball to secure the game-winning goal.
Forward: Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC)
It`s hard to find a player who works harder than Bay FC`s Rachael Kundananji. She ranks second in the league and leads her team in total shots (58), though previously with only one goal to her name. She added another crucial goal during Bay FC`s memorable match at Oracle Park.
Coach: Bev Yanez (Racing Louisville)
This isn`t the first time Racing Louisville`s head coach, Bev Yanez, has been recognized in our Best XI, and with her team`s continued success, it likely won`t be the last. Louisville`s second season under Yanez has shown a distinct improvement, and with a playoff berth now a real possibility, an exceptional run could be unfolding.
Honorary Captain: Bay FC Ownership Group
Achieving an attendance record in their inaugural 2024 season and then surpassing it with a new record in 2025 speaks volumes about their ambition. Club founders and former players Brandi Chastain, Danielle Slaton, Leslie Osborn, and Aly Wagner always believed in the vision for a Bay Area team, which they brought to fruition, celebrated by 40,091 fans at Oracle Park.
