The 2025 NWSL common season is formally within the ultimate stretch of the calendar. There are simply six weeks remaining on the schedule, and time is operating out for golf equipment to punch their ticket to the postseason and earn a spot on our staff of the week. Gamers are cranking up the efficiency degree throughout the league, and week 20 was a showcase of sport changers, shifting the gears of the playoff journey. 

After weekly fixtures throughout the 2025 NWSL marketing campaign, Attacking Third analysts choose a staff of the week, head coach, and honorary captain based mostly on performances throughout the weekend. When you’re retaining observe of who has been on our previous lineups, ensure that to look again at our staff choices from week 19.

Week 19 will likely be right here earlier than you understand it, and followers can watch choose NWSL common season matches throughout CBS platforms, together with CBS, CBS Sports activities Community, Paramount+, and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community.

Check out our greatest XI:

Goalkeeper: Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC)

Hopefully, your complete Bay FC squad are thanking goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz as a result of she stood tall in opposition to 22 pictures on the street. Silkowitz got here up with large saves all through the match, in opposition to the run of play and on harmful sequences. Eight saves made, and Bay FC will get some extent due to her efficiency.

Defender: Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas Metropolis Present)

The Kansas Metropolis Present have virtually too many defensive choices at any time when we attempt to boil issues right down to a finest XI. This week, it is Izzy Rodriguez. The left again is consistently monitoring when she’s not concerned in assault, and he or she positioned her physique on the road to make sure one other clear sheet for Kansas Metropolis Present. 

Defender: Sam Staab (Chicago Stars FC)

Consistency is vital for Chicago, and centerback Sam Staab brings it for the Stars once more in week 20. Chicago Stars FC stay the one undefeated staff following the mid-season break, and defensive group has been essential. Staab’s regular presence is a staple for the backline.

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

Tara McKeown is again on the staff of the week after an enormous efficiency with the Washington Spirit. Down a participant shortly after the hour mark, the Spirit battled again shorthanded, and McKeown’s main 5 interceptions have been useful in sustaining a shutout.

“I am an enormous fan, love watching her play. I feel if you go a participant down, you want a pacesetter on the pitch to maintain everybody compact, maintain everybody mentally switched on, and he or she did precisely that,” stated Attacking Third analyst Jen Beattie.

Defender: Janine Sonis (Racing Louisville FC)

Typically it is about doing essentially the most with the time you are given, and Janine Sonis does that for Racing Louisville FC. The veteran Canadian worldwide is often deployed as a ahead, however she’s been placing in shifts for Racing on the backline with Lauren Milliet out with an harm, and it is aided the membership down the stretch of the season.

“I like Janine Sonis at proper again,” stated analyst Jen Beattie. “We all know her extra as a ahead, I do know her as a ahead, however when she does fill that proper again function, her expertise as effectively behind [Emma] Sears, that mixture I simply actually love. She’s higher with the sport in entrance of her, becoming a member of within the assault. Nice with the ball at her ft, I like watching her technically as effectively. She’s simply an athlete getting up and down. 

Midfielder: Brianna Pinto (North Carolina Braveness)

The North Carolina Braveness desperately wanted a win with the intention to keep related within the playoff dialog out of week 20. Brianna Pinto delivered the decisive purpose when she adopted the play into the field and nailed a sensible shot to make sure her staff continues to be within the postseason image.

Midfielder: Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC)

Who stated strain comes with excessive switch charges? Not Jaedyn Shaw with Gotham FC. The midfielder scored in her debut for the East Coast aspect following her massive commerce from North Carolina. 

Midfielder: Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)

The Colombian worldwide confirmed off a variety of skillset throughout week 20. She led the staff in possibilities created (three) and was second in duels (12) for only a glimpse of how she’s important for the Spirit out and in of possession. Tempo setter and a playmaker multi function.

Ahead: Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)

Gotham FC have bullied their  approach from the playoff line to a top-four squad with simply six weeks remaining within the season. An enormous credit score goes to ahead Esther Gonzalez for retaining the purpose scoring up. She now leads the Golden Boot race  with 13 targets this season. 

Ahead: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Braveness)

Japan worldwide Manaka Matsukubo is a large catalyst for the Braveness. Her motion on and off the ball is each dazzling and distracting. Her game-winner was a mixture of each and was worthy of staff of the week honors.

Ahead: Jacqueline Ovalle (Orlando Pleasure)

Contemporary off making her debut on the street final week, Jacqueline Ovalle launched herself to Orlando followers with a pristine help to Ally Watt for an equalizer. Welcome to the league, Ovalle.

Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)

The Washington Spirit are right here to compete for titles, and it is all of the extra clear after a scoreless battle in opposition to NWSL Protect-leading Kansas Metropolis Present. Head Coach Adrian Gonzalez nailed the precise lineup and obtained nice performances out of to 10-player squad down the stretch.

Honorary Captain: Savannah DeMelo and membership medical staffs

After a daunting medical episode on the pitch, midfielder Savannah DeMelo is steady and alert after receiving quick medical care Sunday. A fighter for pulling by means of, and in a position to take action with assistance from twin membership medical staffs on the pitch, there isn’t a debate on the honorary captains for week 20. We salute DeMelo and the medical professionals who maintain gamers secure and wholesome.