What did you miss from matchweek three? Everything.
From the two remaining undefeated teams facing off, a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, and the preseason favorites continue to struggle.
Here are the latest NWSL power rankings:
16. Boston Legacy | Result: 1-2 vs Utah Royals
Aïssata Traoré scored the first goal in Boston Legacy history and has been one of the few bright spots for the club this season.
The process will require a bit of patience, but starting to show who they are on the pitch.
15. Chicago
Stars (-3) | Results: 0-3 vs Orlando Pride & 0-2 at San Diego Wave
The upset win vs KC Current, was followed by multiple goal losses to Orlando and San Diego.
14. Racing Louisville (-3) | Results: 1-2 loss at Seattle Reign
It’s an extremely difficult schedule to open the season, but conceding two goals in every match won’t get it done.
Does the path get any easier? No. The next three matches: Houston Dash, Orlando Pride, and Washington Spirit.
13. Kansas City Current (-5) | Results: 0-3 loss at Seattle Reign & 0-2 loss at Portland Thorns
In the 2025 season, KC Current only lost three matches all season long.
In 2026? They have already matched that as they are currently in a three-game losing streak.
Temwa Chawinga is closer to making a return, but can they find a way to stop the slide now?
12. Utah Royals (+3) | Results: 1-1 draw at Washington Spirit & 2-1 win at Boston Legacy
Four road points from two matches away? That’s a terrific showing for Jimmy Coenraets’ side.
Can they continue to earn results in the first half of the season?
11. Washington Spirit (-5) | Results: 1-1 draw vs Utah Royals & 0-0 draw at Denver Summit
They’re still winless on the season (0-1-3) and have not found an answer in midfield after Croix Bethune’s departure.
10. NC Courage (-6) | Results: 1-3 loss vs Bay FC
The good news? Manaka is back.
The bad news? Dropping a winnable home match to Bay FC.
9. Bay FC (+5) | Results: 1-3 loss vs ACFC & 3-1 win at NC Courage
From their rough mid-week loss at home against Angel City to their best win of the season on the road versus North Carolina Courage – it was a rollercoaster of a week for Emma Coates’ side.
If Alex Pfeiffer continues with her rise, it could be a surprising season ahead for Bay FC.
8. Denver Summit (+5) | Results: 2-0 win at NJ/NY Gotham FC & 0-0 draw vs Washington Spirit
What a memorable week for the expansion side as they just earned their first win in their club’s history.
The cap of the week? NWSL record attendance of 63,004 fans cheering them on from Empower Field at Mile High.
They have all it takes to become the third expansion team in league history to make the playoffs.
7. NJ/NY Gotham FC (-5) | Results: 0-2 loss vs Denver Summit & 0-0 draw vs Orlando Pride
The defense was never a concern.
The attack on the other hand…
It’s been 305 minutes since their only goal of the season – Esther’s game winner in the season opener against Boston Legacy.
6. Orlando Pride (+4) | Results: 3-0 win at Chicago Stars & 0-0 draw at NJ/NY Gotham FC
That’s now three consecutive results for Orlando Pride after an opening day home loss to Seattle Reign. They’ve picked up draws against Denver Summit and NJ/NY Gotham FC and an emphatic win over Chicago Stars.
The Jacquie Ovalle and Barbra Banda combination will only get better moving forward.
5. Houston Dash | Result: 1-2 loss at ACFC
Why are more folks not talking about Maggie Graham? The second-year player continues to be a huge playmaker for the Houston Dash.
They couldn’t hold onto the lead on the road against table-leading Angel City, but Fabrice Gautrat has given this team the identity they’ve needed.
Can they find continue to find consistency moving forward?
4. Seattle Reign (+5) | Result: 3-1 win vs KC Current & 2-1 win vs Racing Louisville
That’s exactly how you respond after a tough rivalry loss with consecutive home wins over 2025 NWSL Shield winners KC Current and 2025 playoff side Racing Louisville.
The Seattle Reign have scored 2+ goals in three of their four matches this season.
The contributions of Maddie Mercado and Nérilia Mondésir have taken their attack to a new level.
3. Portland Thorns (-2) | Results: 1-3 loss at San Diego Wave & 2-0 win over KC Current
Olivia Moultrie, Reilyn Turner, and Pietra Tordin all have two goals apiece. And Soph Wilson just started her first match of 2026 and first since 2024.
If defenders weren’t worried about the Portland Thorns attack, they will be soon.
The biggest question mark heading into the season was their backline who just recorded their third shutout in the first four matches, can they continue the impressive defense?
2. San Diego Wave (+5) | Results: 3-1 win vs Portland Thorns & 2-0 win vs Chicago Stars
After an opening day loss to Houston Dash, they’ve won three consecutive matches.
Lia Godfrey has quickly become the Rookie of the Year favorite.
And Melanie Barcenas can’t stop scoring incredible goals.
Is Cat Macario the final piece?
1.Angel City FC (+2) | Result: 2-1 win vs Houston Dash
The best start ever in the club’s history.
Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, Kennedy Fuller, and Emily Sams have been brilliant for Angel City FC with no signs of slowing down.
The scary part? “This team has no ceiling.” – Head Coach Alex Straus
Are they legit? Every week they continue to prove it more and more.
