NWSL Power Rankings: Spirit Secure Postseason Spot with Convincing Performance
Sunday’s NWSL Power Rankings: Unpacking Matchday 22
As the NWSL season hurtles toward its climax, the excitement is palpable on this Sunday evening, with Matchday 22 showcasing intense competition and thrilling moments across the league. After a rollercoaster of goals, wins, and heartbreaks, it’s time to dive deep into the latest Power Rankings, where we’ll explore who’s rising, who’s stumbling, and what that means for the playoffs.
The Top Contenders
1. Kansas City Current
Previous Ranking: 1 | Next Match: Oct 6 vs. Angel City FC (10.30 p.m. ET)
The Current solidified their position at the summit with a commanding 4-1 victory over the Chicago Stars, a match that felt almost routine for the league leaders. This win not only highlighted their dominance this season but also showcased their offensive prowess—Debinha opened the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by contributions from the likes of Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga. Even though they struggled briefly with a goal conceded, ending an NWSL record streak of 870 minutes without conceding, their quality remained evident. Still perched 16 points clear at the top, Kansas City is making a case for one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory.
2. Washington Spirit
Previous Ranking: 2 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. San Diego Wave (1 p.m. ET)
The Spirit have made a resounding statement by clinching their playoff spot with a stunning 4-0 drubbing of the Houston Dash. Gift Monday set historical records with one of the quickest hat tricks in league history, and the team’s chemistry shone through in Sofia Cantore’s dazzling backheel goal, marking the pinnacle of a night filled with attacking flair. Their unbeaten streak now stretches into a dozen matches—including Concacaf W Champions Cup play—setting them up as formidable contenders as the playoffs approach.
3. Gotham FC
Previous Ranking: 3 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Seattle Reign (4 p.m. ET)
Gotham FC continues to be a force, riding a wave of confidence after their own 3-0 victory over the Portland Thorns. The emergence of Midge Purce and Rose Lavelle has transformed their attack, as Lavelle has reclaimed her form with consistent goal contributions and assists. The upcoming match against the Spirit promises to be a showdown between defensive solidity and attacking brilliance, essential for both teams as they push for top seeding.
Middle of the Pack: Playoff Battle
4. San Diego Wave
Previous Ranking: 4 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Washington Spirit (1 p.m. ET)
Despite their playoff position, the Wave have hit a rough patch, recording a sixth consecutive match without a win in their loss to the Orlando Pride. With a soft equalizer conceded in that match, the tension is palpable; their once secure playoff spot is now under threat. The upcoming clash with the Spirit represents not just a fight for points but a chance to reignite their season.
5. Portland Thorns
Previous Ranking: 5 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Bay FC (10 p.m. ET)
The Thorns suffered a disheartening loss at the hands of Gotham FC, struggling for attacking momentum and managing only a couple of meager attempts on goal. This performance raises questions about their form as they gear up for a crucial match against Bay FC, needing a win to stave off mediocrity and reclaim momentum.
Teams in Need of Revival
6. Houston Dash
Previous Ranking: 6 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Orlando Pride (8 p.m. ET)
The Dash crashed to a heavy 4-0 defeat in D.C., effectively rendering their playoff hopes precarious. With a lack of urgency and attacking threat, they will need to rally against Orlando in their next match. This contest will be critical for their survival in a tightening playoff race.
7. North Carolina Courage
Previous Ranking: 9 | Next Match: Oct 4 vs. Racing Louisville (7.30 p.m. ET)
Missing chances has been a recurring theme for the Courage, whose loss to the Seattle Reign placed them below the playoff line. Even with standout performances, they find themselves needing to secure wins against fellow contenders like Racing Louisville, emphasizing the importance of clinical finishing moving forward.
Struggling at the Bottom
8. Utah Royals
Previous Ranking: 12 | Next Match: Oct 4 vs. Chicago Stars (4 p.m. ET)
In a surprising twist, the Royals have strung together three consecutive victories, raising hopes among their fans. Their latest triumph against Bay FC showcased resilience and finding the back of the net when it matters. As they vie to add points, the Royals are gradually shifting the narrative of their season.
9. Bay FC
Previous Ranking: 13 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Portland Thorns (10 p.m. ET)
Bay FC’s season has been beset by difficulties, with an 11-match winless streak becoming a glaring shadow over their potential. They face a pivotal matchup against the struggling Thorns, desperate for a salvage after their recent coaching upheaval.
10. Racing Louisville
Previous Ranking: 8 | Next Match: Oct 4 vs. Courage (7.30 p.m. ET)
Racing Louisville pulled off an important 1-0 win over Angel City but is still teetering near the playoff line. Their promising performance against a formidable side could provide a confidence boost as they look to solidify their playoff position against fellow contenders.
11. Orlando Pride
Previous Ranking: 10 | Next Match: Oct 5 vs. Houston Dash (8 p.m. ET)
The Pride finally snapped their winless streak with a critical victory over the Wave, revitalizing their playoff hopes. Leveraging new signings like Jacquie Ovalle, they are poised to capitalize on their momentum in an important clash against Houston.
Disappointments and Future Aspirations
12. Angel City FC
Previous Ranking: 11 | Next Match: Oct 6 vs. KC Current (10.30 p.m. ET)
After a promising start, Angel City has seen their performance dip significantly, culminating in a frustrating loss to Racing Louisville. Their upcoming fixture serves as an opportunity to reset and gather momentum.
13. Chicago Stars
Previous Ranking: 14 | Next Match: Oct 4 vs. Utah Royals (4 p.m. ET)
In a difficult season, the Stars found a rare moment of brightness with Nádia Gomes scoring—the first goal conceded by the league-leading Current after nearly 900 minutes. With their season waning, they’ll want to build on these small victories against the Royals.
14. Seattle Reign
Previous Ranking: 7 | Next Match: Oct 4 vs. Orlando Pride (8 p.m. ET)
The Reign slipped further down the table after a tough loss, highlighting their vulnerabilities as an emotional season winds down. Facing Orlando will be crucial; they must act quickly if they hope to claw back up the rankings with playoff aspirations hanging by a thread.
As the season races toward its conclusion, each matchday brings the potential for shifts in standings, with teams striving for playoff positions or simply hoping to finish the season positively. The final weeks promise to deliver the excitement and unpredictability that NWSL fans have grown to love.