The NWSL season is heating up, and our power rankings are here to break down the latest developments. This week, we’re analyzing the top teams, surprise performances, and struggling squads.
At the top of the table, Orlando Pride continues to dominate, showcasing their impressive passing, pressing, and strategic play. Their recent win over Washington Spirit solidified their position as the team to beat.
Kansas City Current is on the rise, extending their unbeaten streak to five games with a convincing 2-0 victory over Louisville. Their defense, led by Almuth Schult, has become nearly impenetrable, making them a strong contender for the championship.
Washington Spirit, despite their loss to Orlando, remains a force to be reckoned with. However, injuries and suspensions have taken a toll on their roster, and they’ll need to regroup before the playoffs.
NJ/NY Gotham FC pulled off an impressive comeback against Bay FC, scoring three goals in four minutes to secure a crucial win. They’re now in a strong position to finish second and earn home-field advantage in the semifinals.
North Carolina Courage clinched a playoff spot with their 2-1 win over the Wave, and they’re focusing on fine-tuning their game for the postseason. Kerolin’s return to the starting lineup was a significant boost, and they’ll need to work on set-piece defending to avoid conceding unnecessary goals.
Chicago Red Stars are riding high after their 2-0 victory over Houston, thanks in part to Ludmila’s standout performance. While they were fortunate to escape with three points, they’ve opened up a seven-point cushion in their bid for a playoff spot.
Bay FC showed promise in their match against Gotham, but a four-minute collapse saw them concede three goals and ultimately lose 5-1. They face a tough road ahead, with a challenging schedule that will test their mettle.
Racing Louisville FC put up a good fight against Kansas City, but ultimately fell short. They’ll need to find consistency in their attack to make up the three-point deficit separating them from a playoff berth.
Angel City FC responded to their midweek points deduction with a much-needed win over Reign, thanks to the pace and skill of Alyssa Thompson and M.A. Vignola. They’re still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but it won’t be easy.
San Diego Wave FC is on the brink of elimination after their loss to North Carolina. They struggled to create chances from open play, and their inability to capitalize on corner kicks cost them dearly.
Portland Thorns, meanwhile, are in free fall, taking just one point from their last seven matches. They looked outclassed in their 2-1 defeat to the Royals, and it’s unclear how they’ll turn things around.
Utah Royals are showing signs of growth, with their second consecutive win coming against Portland. Ally Sentnor’s impressive rookie season continues, and summer signings Claudia Zornoza and Mina Tanaka are making an impact.
Seattle Reign FC is in disarray, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of Angel City. They’ll need to regroup and reassess their strategy in the offseason.
Lastly, Houston Dash put forward a strong attacking performance against Chicago, but still came away with nothing. They’ll need to rebuild and refocus for next season.
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