With only eight matchdays remaining, the 2025 NWSL regular season is intensifying, promising a thrilling conclusion thanks to numerous exceptional individual performances. Week 18 highlighted the league`s competitive balance, and the Kansas City Current have secured a playoff berth, bringing the postseason picture into clearer focus.
Following each week`s NWSL games, Attacking Third analysts compile a `Best XI` team, a top head coach, and an honorary captain, recognizing outstanding weekend performances. The remaining regular season fixtures are unpredictable; while Kansas City targets the NWSL Shield, many other teams are still vying for playoff spots. This week`s NWSL Team of the Week features players who truly impacted their games.
Fans can anticipate Week 19 soon, with selected NWSL regular season matches available on various CBS platforms.
- Here`s our standout XI:
- Goalkeeper: Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
- Defender: Bruninha (Gotham FC)
- Defender: Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current)
- Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
- Defender: Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
- Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
- Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville)
- Midfielder: Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
- Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
- Forward: KK Ream (Utah Royals)
- Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
- Coach of the Week
- Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
- Honorary Captain
- NWSLPA and BWPC
Here`s our standout XI:
Goalkeeper: Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
Mandy McGlynn has experienced a mixed season, balancing Utah`s initial difficulties with her commitments to the U.S. women`s national team. However, she delivered a spectacular 11-save performance, pivotal in the Royals` significant victory against the Thorns.
Defender: Bruninha (Gotham FC)
Gotham FC`s defense has been challenged by injuries, but Bruninha rose to the occasion, excelling with two interceptions and 12 duels. Her willingness to push forward, adding attacking width, will be crucial for Gotham`s playoff ambitions.
Defender: Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current)
The Kansas City Current boast a formidable defensive line, making it tough to single out just one player. This week, Hailie Mace earned her spot for her commanding performance at center back, demonstrating versatility across the backline and leading her team with five clearances.
Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
Washington Spirit`s center back, Tara McKeown, showed immense resilience in their 1-1 draw against Chicago, consistently performing throughout the season in both dominant victories and tough stalemates. She provides vital tenacity to the Spirit`s defense.
Defender: Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
Izzy Rodriguez secures another spot for Kansas City`s defense on this week`s team. The outside back was exceptional in aerial duels and challenges, and even opened the scoring for the Current, marking a standout performance.
Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
As Gotham FC`s players regain form, Rose Lavelle`s return to top performance is a significant asset for the crucial final phase of the season. Her creativity and playmaking promise increased offensive output, highlighted by an assist in Week 18.
Midfielder: Taylor Flint (Racing Louisville)
Taylor Flint makes a rapid return to the list, having been featured just last week. Capitalizing on her height, she expertly converted a set piece against the Houston Dash, showcasing impressive finishing skill.
Midfielder: Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
Known for her penalty prowess and celebratory flair, Lo`eau LaBonta reclaims her spot on the Team of the Week after notching her fourth goal of the season and the 13th penalty conversion of her career.
Forward: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
Esther Gonzalez reinvigorated the Golden Boot race by scoring her 12th goal of the season, propelling her past Kansas City`s Temwa Chawinga into the top spot and proving the competition is far from decided.
Forward: KK Ream (Utah Royals)
While Utah has posed challenges to playoff contenders, their recent ability to find the net makes them a team to watch. The Royals secured their first victory since April, largely due to KK Ream`s game-winning goal, which also made her the youngest NWSL goalscorer at 16 years and 53 days old.
Forward: Ludmila (Chicago Stars FC)
Ludmila stood out as one of August`s most electrifying forwards. The Chicago Stars FC striker netted her fifth goal in just three matches, extending the Stars` impressive unbeaten run to five games.
Coach of the Week
Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
Securing a playoff spot before September highlights the elite status of Vlatko Andonovski`s Kansas City Current. They lead the NWSL Shield race by a commanding 14 points over the Washington Spirit, indicating that the focus is now squarely on winning titles.
Honorary Captain
NWSLPA and BWPC
In observance of Labor Day, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) and the Black Women`s Player Collective (BWPC) are recognized as honorary captains for their ongoing dedication to ensuring players` voices are heard, their well-being is protected, and their contributions are valued across the league.
