The NWSL Championship is fast approaching, bringing excitement as the Washington Spirit faces off against Gotham FC on Saturday, November 22, airing on CBS. With the playoff race narrowed down to these two teams, it’s time to spotlight the NWSL Team of the Week from the attacking third.
Each week during the 2025 NWSL season, analysts from Attacking Third have chosen the standout team, head coach, and honorary captain based on weekend performances. As we gear up for the playoffs, be sure to review past lineups and selections for more context.
NWSL Championship Details
- Date: Saturday, November 22 | Time: 8 PM ET
- Location: PayPal Park, San Jose, California
- TV Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
Team of the Week Highlights
Goalkeeper: Anne-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
Gotham FC has shown formidable prowess, earning a spot in the NWSL Championship for the third consecutive year, largely due to Anne-Katrin Berger’s spectacular saves.
Defender: Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Despite challenges with injuries, the Washington Spirit is gaining momentum, with Esme Morgan playing a crucial role in defense while also contributing to offensive plays. Analyst Lori Lindsey praised her for being aggressive and instrumental in the midfield connections, as she led the team in touches during the semifinals.
Defender: Tara McCune (Washington Spirit)
Tara McCune, nominated for Defender of the Year, displayed remarkable resilience in the semifinals, leading her team’s defense with seven clearances after recovering from an injury.
Defender: Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
In her second consecutive Team of the Week selection, Emily Sonnett demonstrated her value to Gotham’s defense, ranking high in clearances and recoveries.
Defender: Lily Real (Gotham FC)
Lily Real added a unique twist to the lineup, showcasing her playmaking abilities and assisting in a key goal for the Spirit.
Midfielder: Jadyn Shaw (Gotham FC)
Jadyn Shaw has frequently appeared on this roster due to her exceptional postseason performances, contributing goals regardless of her positioning on the field.
Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
From an eliminated team, Sam Coffey stands out for her leadership and recovery skills, playing pivotal roles despite her team’s struggles.
Midfielder: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
With another Team of the Week award under her belt, Croix Bethune scored a crucial goal that propelled the Spirit back into the championship finals.
Forward: Jadyn Shaw (Gotham FC)
Jadyn Shaw’s impressive goal-scoring ability in this postseason has earned her recognition in both midfield and forward categories.
Transfer: Gift Monday (Washington Spirit)
Gift Monday is a key player for the Spirit, known for his agility around goal, maintaining his status as the leading scorer.
Forward: Rosemond Quassi (Washington Spirit)
The dynamic partnership of Rosemond Quassi and Gift Monday has been instrumental for the Spirit, with Quassi contributing significantly to Monday’s scoring.
Coach: Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)
Former player Adrian Gonzalez stepped up as the head coach this season, leading the Spirit back to the championship after an effective strategic overhaul.
Honorary Captain: Trinity Rodman and Supporters (Washington Spirit)
Returning from injury, Trinity Rodman played a crucial role in the Spirit’s playoff journey, emphasizing the importance of fan support as they head to the finals.
In summary, with the NWSL Championship nearing, the spotlight is on these talented players who have defined the season. Soccer fans should feel a sense of excitement as this match not only showcases elite women’s soccer but could significantly impact the league’s growth and popularity, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters.
