Matchweek 23 for the NWSL was filled with the usual chaos, drama, but also history and record-breaking performances.
Which teams stepped up and who saw their playoff hopes crushed?
Here’s our latest power rankings:
1. Gotham FC | Latest Result: 3-1 win vs Chicago Stars
Gotham FC attacker Jaedyn Shaw became the youngest player to reach 25 goals thanks to her brace against Chicago Stars.
The scary part? Sam Kerr also added a goal and assist.
The Bats were absolutely dominant generating an xG of 2.51, 72%
possession, 10 more shots, and 30 more touches in the opposition box. They’ve now won three straight wins after a slight detour.
2. San Diego Wave | Latest Result: 2-0 win at Racing Louisville
The San Diego Wave continue to find contributions from everyone on the roster. This time it was Gia Corley and Ludmila – exactly what you’d like to see.
The visitors took care of business, generating an xG of 3.33, 58% possession, nine more shots, and 21 more touches in the opposition box.
Why are they dangerous? Look at the build-up to this goal. Every player on this team is comfortable with the ball and can ignite an attack from anywhere.
Jonas Eidevall’s side continues to match Gotham FC step for step with their third consecutive victory, making for an exciting NWSL Shield race down the stretch.
3. Angel City FC | Latest Result: 1-0 win vs Washington Spirit
Angel City FC are playing like the best team in the NWSL and have now reached six games unbeaten.
After their 1-0 road win vs Washington Spirit, ACFC have already combined for more away wins than 2024 and 2025 combined.
This team can get it done at home or on the road, it just doesn’t matter.
4. Washington Spirit (-1) | Latest Result: 0-1 loss vs Angel City FC
The home struggles continued for the Washington Spirit as they are now just 6W-6L-1D at home.
In their last two games, they’ve only generated an xG of 0.79 and 0.29, that simply won’t get it done…
5. Utah Royals (+1) | Latest Result: 2-1 win vs North Carolina Courage
Where would Utah Royals be without their MVP candidate Cloé Lacasse? She tallied her eighth goal (18th goal contribution of the season) to spark the team’s 2-1 win.
The forward’s connection with midfielder Mina Tanaka has made this a magical season for URFC.
The one lingering concern? Consistency – they’ve alternated wins and losses over the past 11 games…
6. Kansas City Current (+2) | Latest Result: 4-1 win vs Denver Summit
All it took was three shots for Haley Hopkins to score her hat trick.
After going down an early goal, KC Current responded with not one, two, or three, but four goals!
The NWSL’s top ranked attack picked up their third win the last five and are back above the playoff line.
The only question that remains… can they find any magic away from home?
7. Portland Thorns (-2) | Latest Result: 1-1 draw vs Houston Dash
The Portland Thorns are now winless in their last three matches at Providence Park. Although, they’ve seemed to figure out their road woes, it’s now the form at home that is puzzling.
Marie Müller’s late equalizer salvaged a point against Houston Dash.
PTFC had the easiest remaining schedule after the international break and have been unable to take advantage.
8. Seattle Reign (+2) | Latest Result: 2-0 win vs Boston Legacy
Seattle Reign legend Jess Fishlock became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer after her long-range brace.
Who did she pass for No. 1? USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe.
The attack still remains a major issue as they’ve generated less than 1.0 xG in the last three.
9. North Carolina Courage | Latest Result: 1-2 loss at Utah Royals
Ashley Sanchez made history and tied the NWSL’s single season goalscoring record alongside two-time MVP, Temwa Chawinga.
Unfortunately for North Carolina, they’ve now dropped four of their last five games and have fallen below the playoff line.
For a team with the second ranked attack and third best xG differential, NC Courage have been quite unlucky to even be in this position.
Could they end up missing the playoffs? They are facing three more playoff teams up next…
10. Denver Summit (-2) | Latest Result: 1-4 loss at KC Current
Their five match unbeaten streak came to an end and the timing couldn’t be any worse as every team above them in the playoff race picked up results.
Although they’ve generated the sixth most xG in the NWSL, the defense has let them down by conceding fifth-most.
Time is running out in year one for the expansion side, but a bright future is ahead for the club.
11. Orlando Pride (+1) | Latest Result: 3-1 win at Bay FC
Haley McCutcheon tallied a brace with both goals in the first two minutes of both halves. Jacquie Ovalle also found the back of the net.
Yolanda Thomas is now 2-1-1 as interim head coach of Orlando Pride.
12. Houston Dash (-1) | Latest Result: 1-1 draw at Portland Thorns
Rookies Kat Rader and Leah Klenke put on a clinic against Portland Thorns.
Rader scored her 10th goal of the season and is the likely frontrunner for ROTY.
Klenke? With 18 defensive contributions, she nearly led the backline to an upset road win.
The future is bright for Houston Dash.
13. Bay FC | Latest Result: 1-3 loss at Orlando Pride
Bay FC generated an xG of 4.09, 55% possession, 20 more shots, and 12 more touches in the opposition box and just couldn’t earn a result at home.
Can new Chief Football Officer Paul Green find reinforcements for an attack that has fallen to 13th in the league?
14. Boston Legacy | Latest Result: 0-2 loss at Seattle Reign
After the 3-0 upset win at Washington Spirit, Boston Legacy have dropped consecutive matches.
They end the season with three playoff teams, can they find momentum heading into 2027?
15. Racing Louisville | Latest Result: 0-2 loss vs San Diego Wave
Sav DeMelo is set to make her inspirational return to the NWSL and signed a new contract with Racing Louisville as well.
16. Chicago Stars | Latest Result: 1-3 loss at Gotham FC
Can Vlatko Andonovski turn this franchise around?
