After last week’s hiatus, All For XI’s NWSL Power Rankings are back!
After matchday 21, there were quite a few surprising results, who are this week’s climbers and fallers?
14. Bay FC
Result: 1-1 draw vs NJ/NY Gotham FC | Next: September 27 vs Utah Royals
Bay FC are winless in their past 10 matches, accumulating four points during that span.
However, they are coming off good draws against two playoff teams: Orland Pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Another positive is the centerback duo of Sydney Collins and Brooklyn Courtnall,
alongside the backline who played a fantastic game – Gotham scored 2+ goals in three consecutive matches, but only managed one this time.
13. Chicago Stars (-3)
Result: 0-1 loss at Houston Dash | Next: September 26 at Kansas City Current
The Chicago Stars unbeaten streak ended at seven matches and they are back to last in the NWSL table.
They have improved significantly over the past few months and will be a team to look out for in 2026.
12. Angel City FC (-1)
Result: 2-2 draw vs Washington Spirit | Next: September 27 at Racing Louisville
Yes, the draw against the Washington Spirit was a good result, but they are running out of time and four points below the playoff line.
The team is coming off two losses in their last three, and only have this point to show for it.
Nealy Martin was a massive addition for the club and will be key moving forward.
11. Utah Royals (+1)
Result: 1-1 draw at NC Courage | Next: September 27 at Bay FC
URFC are playing like one of the best teams in the NWSL. They are unbeaten in their last six (3-3-0).
After struggling for the majority of the season, Jimmy Coenraets’ side have found the late-season magic, once again. The Utah Royals have won three of their last four which includes wins over Portland Thorns, Houston Dash, and Racing Louisville.
This team are absolutely flying and nobody wants to face them right now.
10. Orlando Pride (-1)
Result: 0-1 loss vs North Carolina Courage | Next: September 26 at San Diego Wave
Their last win? June 13 at Bay FC.
The Orlando Pride are winless in their last nine matches and on the verge of missing out of the playoffs completely. What started off as a strong season has quickly turned into a nightmare.
They are now only one point above the playoff line. This week? They head on the road to face San Diego Wave…
9. Racing Louisville (-5)
Result: 2-3 loss at Utah Royals | Next: September 27 vs Angel City FC
Unfortunately, three consecutive losses and only one point in their last four matches have sent them plummeting down the table, and two points below the playoff line.
Can Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville find their winning ways at home versus ACFC? It’s a must-win for the club.
8. Seattle Reign
Result: 0-2 loss at KC Current | Next: September 28 vs North Carolina Courage
One win in their past six matches… Seattle Reign are only two points above the playoff line.
The attack has disappeared – just two goals in the last five won’t get it done.
Who will step up?
7. North Carolina Courage (+6)
Result: 1-0 win at Orlando Pride | Next: September 28 at Seattle Reign
After going winless in their last six matches and dropping below the playoff line to 11th, NC Courage have responded.
They’ve won consecutive games against Angel City FC and Orlando Pride and have risen to eighth in the NWSL Table and back in playoff contention.
Shinomi scored the game-winning goal and Marisa Jordan at goalkeeper and the backline came up big to secure the clean sheet.
Another difficult test for Nathan Thackeray and the North Carolina Courage this week when they head to Lumen Field to take on Seattle Reign.
6. Houston Dash (+1)
Result: 1-0 win vs Chicago Stars | Next: September 28 at Washington Spirit
They are two points below the playoff line, but are one of the most consistent teams in the past two months.
The Houston Dash are 4-3-1 in their past eight matches. If they can continue this form, they are going to be a tough matchup for any team in the playoffs.
Yazmeen Ryan will be the key player at all times, but if Clarissa Larisey continues to get more comfortable, this team has everything it needs to make the postseason.
5. Portland Thorns
Result: 1-1 draw vs San Diego Wave | Next: September 26 at NJ/NY Gotham FC
The Portland Thorns are unbeaten in their past three matches (1-2-0), but must find ways to convert draws into wins.
They were outplayed for the majority of the match against the Wave, but the Thorns completely flipped the game once Hina Sugita was subbed on.
No one has stepped up consistently in the goalscoring department, but Olivia Moultrie has become a premier free kick taker near the top of the box.
Unfortunately the injury situation is even worse for the club now, as Julie Dufour will be out the rest of the season. Can Rob Gale and the Portland Thorns deal with even more adversity?
4. San Diego Wave (-1)
Result: 1-1 draw at Portland Thorns | Next: September 26 vs Orlando Pride
There are still tons of questions about their attack, but they snapped their goalless streak.
After not scoring a goal for over a month, the San Diego Wave outplayed Portland Thorns for the majority of the game, but conceded late.
However, that result should be able to give them tons of confidence moving forward. They’re still in a prime spot for the playoffs and potentially a home playoff match.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC (+3)
Result: 1-1 draw at Bay FC | Next: September 26 vs Portland Thorns
Before their surprising 1-1 draw at Bay FC, NJ/NY Gotham were steadily finding their groove again – they won by two goals each in the three prior matches.
If there is a team that could potentially pose KC Current issues, it’s the Bats.
They’re peaking at the right time. Also, if Rose Lavelle continues to score goals, they are going to be extremely scary.
2. Washington Spirit
Result: 2-2 draw at Angel City FC | Next: September 28 vs Houston Dash
Although they are undefeated in their past nine matches, six of those were draws.
The Spirit continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack and are solidified as the second-best team in the league.
Without Hal Hershfelt (yellow card accumulation), they had to settle for a head-scratching draw versus ACFC.
1. Kansas City Current
Result: 2-0 win at Bay FC | Next: September 26 vs Chicago Stars
They are one of the best, if not the best team in NWSL history.
With their 2-0 win over Seattle Reign at CPKC Stadium, they became the fastest team to clinch the NWSL Shield.
On her birthday, Temwa Chawinga celebrated with a headed goal and tied up the Golden Boot race with Esther González.
The only question that remains… can they complete the double and win the NWSL Championship?
