NWSL Power Rankings: Chicago Red Stars improving; Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns and Angel City drop

1. 

Orlando Pride

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Just when a team looks like they’ve got the Pride figured out, Orlando find a way. Barbra Banda got back in the NWSL Golden Boot race when she delivered a late game-winner on the road and Orlando are still unbeaten this season through 21 games.

2. 

NJ/NY Gotham FC

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Rose Lavelle looks more comfortable in post-Olympic form and it’s paying off for Gotham no matter the competition in front of them. Still, it’s Yazmeen Ryan who remains the unsung hero of the squad with three goals and an assist since the league returned to play.

3. 

Kansas City Current

+2

There’s no doubt that the Current’s shake-up on defense has led to better results post-Olympics. They’re on a three-game shutout streak after solid performances by their summer window acquisitions –  goalkeeper Almuth Schult and defenders Alana Cook and Kayla Sharples. Could be playoff-defining moves.

4. 

Washington Spirit

-1

The squad had to manage a home game without Oylemata Sarr and will continue to be without Croix Bethune who is out for the season, but the final third of the season is where title contenders separate themselves from others. Top-table teams want to sharpen their skills against other competitors, but the Spirit struggled against Kansas City, and everyone hopes Trinity Rodman’s back spasm was just a passing moment and not season-altering.

5. 

North Carolina Courage

-1

Looks like the Courage haven’t quite defeated the road-game demon that haunts them. Despite a win in San Diego the group couldn’t build on that and let a lead slip away against Louisville over the weekend. As long as Ashley Sanchez and Brianna Pinto stay in form, the squad can let 2023 NWSL MVP Kerolin build her minutes back up down the playoff stretch.  

6. 

Racing Louisville FC

+2

Louisville are in the running for the streakiest team in the league and they might just ride their up-and-down roller coaster into the playoffs. The addition of Bethany Balcer has been a massive swing of momentum for the roster, with two goals and one assist in five games with the club. When they get her involved, it leads to results.

7. 

Chicago Red Stars

+2

The club breathed a sigh of relief that Mallory Swanson’s shoulder injury against Portland wasn’t more serious and is back with the squad. The roster is getting back to Lorne Donaldson’s bunker-and-ball style of soccer thanks to an adjustment to start Cari Roccaro at centerback and the arrival of Brazilian attacker Ludmila. Get a goal. Stifle. Profit.

8. 

Portland Thorns FC

-2

The group placed some duct tape on the sinking ship they were on at the moment. A four-game losing streak capped off by a draw against an “on the hunt” side in Angel City. The franchise is right back where they started at the beginning of their season, only this time it feels more dire with an ankle injury to Sophia Smith and time running out of the season to stay in contention. 

9. 

Angel City FC

-2

The group has embraced the team identity of being a second-half-of-the-season club and it has spurred them on in some moments. But when trying to climb the table, that means eliminating teams that are also chasing the same goal, and Angel City have struggled to do that the last few weeks. 

10. 

Bay FC

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Somehow, the expansion side had the honors of two respectable games against Orlando this season but have exactly zero points from those games to show for it.  Bay FC are still hovering around the playoff line but points off contenders will be necessary if they want to break through.

11. 

San Diego Wave FC

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The roster is making good things happen in the Concacaf W Champions Cup but their success outside of the league hasn’t quite followed them back into the regular season. We’re all still waiting on Landon Donoavn’s assurance of a defined “San Diego” style of play.  

12. 

Seattle Reign FC

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The franchise is following up a three-game win streak with two consecutive losses. Despite some moves at the transfer deadline, the club is running out of time to make an impact in the playoff push, and a lack of ideas against bottom half-table teams doesn’t exactly scream champagne problems.

13. 

Houston Dash

+1

Houston’s struggles are vast this season so you have to take the moments of joy where you can get them. This week it’s a clinical volley from league veteran Yuki Nagasato, and for now, the Dash can enjoy the spoils of their first regular season win since May.

14. 

Utah Royals FC

-1

The Royals have been a difficult team for opposing teams to face during the final stretch of the season, but Utah are back on a bit of skid. They’ll welcome the return of rookie Ally Sentnor from the U-20 World Cup.