NWSL Power Rankings: Washington Spirit hang tough during injury crisis, Portland Thorns pushing panic button

1. 

Orlando Pride

—

This team has put together something beyond special this season. They handle business whether it’s against other contenders or bottom half teams. There are not enough superlatives to pass around for them, especially in a week where Carson Pickett, Marta, and Angelina delivered.

2. 

NJ/NY Gotham FC

—

Tierna Davidson and Emily Sonnett have delivered locked-in defensive performances as the centerback duo. Gotham have conceded just one goal in their last three games, while the coaching staff continues to rotate things offensively.

3. 

Washington Spirit

+1

The squad tackled a road game with a massive injury report that kept Trinity Rodman and Casey Krueger out against a team on the playoff hunt. But the Spirit had no fear with Ashely Hatch there to right the ship. Spirit rookies remain impressive this year as Makenna Morris nabbed the game-winner to keep the team in contention for the NWSL Shield.

4. 

Kansas City Current

-1

Temwa Chawinga scored her 17th goal this season and is well on her way to matching, or breaking, the single-season scoring record (18) with four games left to do so. They conceded after a lack of awareness on the pitch involving the referee but leveled things in response. They’ve rebuilt their defense midseason, providing another layer for the group down the stretch.

5. 

North Carolina Courage

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The Courage picked up another definitive win on the road, but at what cost? Brianna Pinto has been a crucial component in the attack as Kerolin works her way back into regular minutes but Pinto left the pitch this week in tears after a leg injury. Still, Denise O’Sullivan keeps the midfield regulated with Narumi Miura, and Ashley Sanchez continues her underrated MVP season.

6. 

Chicago Red Stars

+1

Mallory Swanson hasn’t scored for the team since before the Olympics, and it’ll remain difficult for her to do so when she isn’t getting the ball. Still, Brazilian international Ludmila continues to find form with Chicago with goals in two consecutive matches now.

7. 

Racing Louisville FC

-1

Last week we said Louisville might be in the running for the streakiest team in the league and this week they confirmed that they are. They’re safely in the playoff picture for now, but a loss against a near-last-place team in the league with title contenders on the schedule is a missed opportunity.

8. 

Portland Thorns FC

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Major concerns continue for Portland as their regular season skid continues. Forward Sophia Smith is managing an ankle injury and there doesn’t appear to be any fresh ideas in sight. They haven’t won a regular season game since July and are winless in six games with five losses. If it looks bad, and feels bad, it’s bad. 

9. 

Bay FC

+1

A team on the playoff bubble that is doing exactly what it needs to do to other teams in the hunt, beat them. The Bay Area side still needs to be more clinical in front of goal as they face title contenders over the next few weeks.

10. 

San Diego Wave FC

+1

The Southern California side may have bought themselves some time in the playoff race with a win this week. They’ll have to thank 16-year-old Melanie Barcenas for the motivational boost and her clinical finish on goal.

11. 

Angel City FC

-2

The group is still mathematically in contention to reach the playoff line, but their recent performance against the Spirit seemed to, well, break theirs. The “second-half team” mentality seems to be diminishing with time running out in the season and teams in front of them on the table. 

12. 

Seattle Reign FC

—

The math isn’t quite on Seattle’s side either in the playoff hunt or our power rankings. A three game losing streak with time sipping away to make any meaningful impact. A frustratingly mediocre season for a team that’s often in the mix.

13. 

Utah Royals FC

+1

The Royals staved off playoff elimination this week with a gutsy performance against Racing at home. Ana Tejada has been a focal point of the momentum swing for the squad this year, and it was fitting she scored the game-winner this week.

14. 

Houston Dash

-1

Another week, another loss by Houston but it’s also another week where Yuki Nagasato delivered a world-class goal. It’s the little things sometimes.