Matchday two in the NWSL had it all: upsets, red cards, and so much more.
Who climbed and fell in the power rankings after the weekend? Hint: tons of movement.
There’s also a new No. 1 at the top… Which team could it be?
Here are the latest power rankings:
16. Boston Legacy (-1) | Result: 0-3 loss at Houston Dash
The expansion side were outplayed in every manner against Houston Dash and were fortunate it wasn’t by a wider margin.
There is definitely something here with the young roster, coaching staff,
and front office, but folks will need to give it time.
15. Utah Royals (-2) | Result: 1-2 loss vs San Diego Wave
Tatumn’s Milazzo’s second yellow card in the 81st minute, gave San Diego Wave the break they needed for their late-winner in the 86th minute.
For the second consecutive week, URFC dropped points.
What did they want to avoid this season? Another slow start…
14. Bay FC (-2) | Result: 1-3 loss vs Angel City FC
They had no answer defensively to Angel City’s frontline and struggled mightily in attack.
To make matters even worse, Taylor Huff had two yellow cards in second half stoppage time – she’ll be out for their next fixture.
13. Denver Summit (+1) | Result: 1-1 draw at Orlando Pride
Melissa Kössler opened the scoring and tallied a goal for the second consecutive match.
A solid performance from Denver Summit earned the team their first ever NWSL result.
Once they build chemistry, they have the potential to become the third expansion side to make the playoffs and more.
12. Chicago Stars (+4) | Result: 2-1 win vs KC Current
Did the Chicago Stars already secure the upset of the year?
Rookie Tessa Dellarose opened the scoring and Jordyn Huitema headed home the game-winner in their stunning victory over Kansas City Current.
After a rough week one performance, Martin Sjögren’s side rebounded in the best way possible for week two.
11. Racing Louisville (-2) | Result: 2-2 draw vs Washington Spirit
For the second consecutive week, Racing Louisville dropped points.
The dreaded 2-0 lead disappeared after Washington Spirit completed the comeback in the second half.
Unless they can figure out how to manage games, this will continue to happen.
10. Orlando Pride (-4) | Result: 1-1 draw vs Denver Summit
Only picking up one point in two home matches to start the season is a huge missed opportunity. Also, Orlando gave up three goals total and one can only imagine how much the Emily Sams trade is hurting them now…
Barbra Banda scored on her birthday, making it two consecutive games, but who else is going to step up?
9. Seattle Reign (-4) | Result: 0-2 loss at Portland Thorns
In the Cascadia Derby, Laura Harvey and the Seattle Reign played up a player for over 80 minutes and up two players for over 30 minutes.
They didn’t score once…
8. Kansas City Current (-7) | Result: 1-2 loss at Chicago Stars
Who saw KC Current dropping a result to Chicago Stars? Well it happened…
This team isn’t the same without Claire Hutton and it is clearly showing out on the pitch.
Also, there are even more defensive concerns. Last season, it was almost impossible to score on them and now they’ve allowed three goals in first two matches.
Can Chris Armas find the answers?
7. San Diego Wave (+1) | Result: 2-1 win at Utah Royals
After a frustrating season opener, the San Diego Wave found a late-winner from rookie Lia Godfrey in the 86th minute.
They took full-advantage of the Utah Royals red card and did exactly what they needed to leave with a road win.
Can the attack continue to find goals?
6. Washington Spirit (-2) | Result: 2-2 draw at Racing Louisville
Sofia Cantore and Leicy Santos both scored goals in the second half to erase the 0-2 deficit to Racing Louisville.
A much-needed result, but they still only have one point from the first two matches.
5. Houston Dash (+6) | Result: 3-0 win vs Boston Legacy
For the first time in club history, the Houston Dash have opened the regular season with back-to-back wins. Both victories were shutouts.
Also, they won a home opener for the first time since 2017 – 10,259 packed Shell Energy Stadium making it their most attended.
The scary part? The attack was absolutely dominant with an xG of 3.26.
Could they be the surprise of the 2026 season?
4. North Carolina Courage (+3) | Result 0-0 draw at NJ/NY Gotham FC
The early returns on the Mak Lind era are very positive.
NC Courage have earned three points from 2025 playoff side Racing Louisville and a road point from defending NWSL champions Gotham FC. Those are two strong results to start the season.
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan also earned her first clean sheet for her new team.
3. Angel City FC (+7) | Result: 3-1 win at Bay FC
ACFC can’t stop scoring with seven goals in their first two games to start the season.
They have won two consecutive matches to start the season for the first time in club history.
Kennedy Fuller and Sveindís Jónsdóttir both have three goal contributions apiece in two matches.
Are Angel City FC and Alexander Straus legit? It’s still too early to tell, but they’re playing like it.
2. NJ/NY Gotham FC | Result: 0-0 draw vs NC Courage
The chess match between Gotham and North Carolina ended up in a scoreless draw. The positive? that’s two consecutive clean sheets for Ann-Katrin Berger and the backline to start the season.
Gotham FC also raised their new banner and received their 2025 NWSL Championship rings.
This team is only going to get better as defender Tierna Davidson just made her return in the 61st minute after 358 days.
After struggling in the regular season in 2025, Gotham are looking extremely dangerous in 2026.
1.Portland Thorns (+2) | Result: 2-0 win vs Seattle Reign
Cassandra Bogere received a yellow card in the eighth and ninth minute to become the fastest player to be sent off in NWSL history. Additionally, Reyna Reyes would receive a straight red card in the 57th minute.
The Portland Thorns played down a player for over 80 minutes and down two players for over 30 minutes and still held Seattle Reign scoreless in the always-intense Cascadia rivalry match.
How did they respond? Two unanswered goals by Pietra Tordin and Reilyn Turner.
Goalkeeper Morgan Messner has earned back-to-back shutouts in her first two regular season starts and midfielder Jessie Fleming has taken her game to a whole new level.
