The 2025 NWSL season started with 14 teams, but six teams will be eliminated from playoff contention this weekend.
NWSL Decision Day is finally upon us. Which teams will continue on with their championship
aspirations?
Without further ado, here is All For XI’s final power rankings of the regular season.
14. Bay FC
Result: 1-4 loss vs NC Courage | Next: November 2 at Racing Louisville
Bay FC are now winless in their past 14 matches (five points).
Brady Stewart resigned as CEO and Albertin Montoya will be stepping down as head coach.
A lot of changes for the club and a crucial offseason ahead of them.
13. Chicago Stars
Result: 1-6 loss at San Diego Wave | Next: November 2 vs Angel City FC
Chicago’s latest result? A horrific 1-6 loss on the road to San Diego Wave.
After a solid seven-game unbeaten run, they have followed it up with a six-game winless streak.
Sam Staab’s contract extension is a good start and was a must for the club. Now, they’ll need more reinforcements in the next transfer window.
12. Utah Royals
Result: 1-2 loss at Seattle Reign | Next: November 2 vs Washington Spirit
URFC’s eight-game unbeaten streak came to an end and now they’ll dropped two in a row – both playoff teams (San Diego Wave and Seattle Reign).
They are definitely a team to watch in 2026, but this team is still missing more.
11. Angel City FC (-1)
Result: 2-0 loss vs Portland Thorns | Next: November 2 at Chicago Stars
What an incredible send-off at BMO Stadium for legends: Christen Press and Ali Riley. Both got their well-deserved standing ovations for them who have done so much for the growth of the sport.
Unfortunately for the club, a player’s abhorrent opinion piece that just came out yesterday. It’s inexcusable and ignorant. There is no place for that in the league.
10. Houston Dash (+1)
Result: 1-0 win vs KC Current | Next: November 2 at Portland Thorns
The Houston Dash snapped the Kansas City Current’s 17-match long unbeaten run.
Ryan Gareis could not have picked a better time for her first ever goal.
After finishing in 14th with 20 points in 2024, they’ve improved to 10th with 30 points.
There will be even higher expectations on Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat in 2026.
9. North Carolina Courage
Result: 4-1 win at Bay FC | Next: November 2 vs NJ/NY Gotham FC
NC Courage are two points below the playoff line thanks to their resounding 4-1 road win over Bay FC.
Manaka became the youngest player in NWSL history to score a hat trick. She is having one helluva season and deserves all of the praise.
But now, the question remains, can they sneak into the playoffs or is it too late?
8. Racing Louisville (-2)
Result: 2-2 draw at NJ/NY Gotham FC | Next: November 2 vs Bay FC
Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville were six minutes and stoppage time away from clinching their first ever playoff berth, but conceded a late equalizer in 85th minute.
Now, they’ll have to do it at home in front of their home fans and supporters.
Can they get the job done?
7. Portland Thorns (+1)
Result: 2-0 win at Angel City FC | Next: November 2 vs Houston Dash
Olivia Moultrie cannot be stopped. She scored her second brace in three games for the Portland Thorns, but this time in a 2-0 playoff-clinching road win over ACFC.
For all of the injuries, changes, and adversity this team has gone through, this is a wonderful achievement.
They have now set their focus on winning their season finale at Providence Park with hopes of hosting a first-round playoff match. No team wants to face them in front of over 20,000 of the loudest supporters and fans.
6. San Diego Wave (+1)
Result: 6-1 win vs Chicago Stars| Next: November 2 at KC Current
Six goals. Yes, you read that correctly. SIX GOALS.
In San Diego’s 6-1 win over Chicago, they accumulated an xG of 3.6.
That’s a performance they were waiting for months and months.
With back to back wins, can the Wave pull off the upset and bring the first round back to Snapdragon Stadium?
5. Seattle Reign
Result: 2-1 vs Utah Royals | Next: November 2 at Orlando Pride
Laura Harvey and Seattle Reign came away with a much-needed three points and are now unbeaten in their last four.
Their biggest test comes on the road against Orlando Pride. With only one team likely clinching a top four spot, can they pull it off?
4. Orlando Pride
Result: 3-2 win at Washington Spirit | Next: November 2 vs Seattle Reign
Are… the Orlando Pride… back? That’s their third win in the last four, including wins over San Diego, Portland, and now Washington Spirit.
Next up? A showdown versus Seattle with major playoff implications.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Result: 2-2 draw vs Racing Louisville | Next: November 2 at NC Courage
It looks like Gotham will have to be road warriors once again in the playoffs.
After their seven-game unbeaten streak, they’ve followed it up with a loss and a draw to KC Current and Racing Louisville.
Thanks to Rose Lavelle’s late equalizer, they salvaged a much-needed point.
2. Washington Spirit
Result: 2-3 loss vs Orlando Pride | Next: November 2 at Utah Royals
The Washington Spirit saw their 12-game unbeaten streak come to an end at home versus Orlando Pride.
With the second seed and home-field advantage through the semifinals, can they hold on until Trinity Rodman returns from injury?
1. Kansas City Current
Result: 0-1 loss at Houston Dash | Next: November 2 vs San Diego Wave
Their 17-match unbeaten streak has come to an end, but all eyes will be on NWSL MVP and superstar Temwa Chawinga’s status moving forward.
“I’m heartbroken I won’t get to represent my country Malawi with national team this coming week due to my adductor injury. I am currently working with my team doctors and coaches at KC Current to get back on the field. Taking it one day at a time. Sending love to my national team and wishing the best of luck. Thank you for your support during this time.”
