NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City Current Clinches Shield, Orlando Pride Struggles Continue

As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) approaches the final stretch of the season, the latest round of matches has led to significant shifts in the league’s power dynamics. With Matchday 21 now in the books, ESPN’s Power Rankings provide a comprehensive overview of how each team is faring as they gear up for the postseason.

Kansas City Current: A Historic Season

Previous Ranking: 1
Next Match: Friday, September 26 vs. Chicago Stars, 8 p.m. ET

The Kansas City Current has made history this season, becoming the fastest team to secure the NWSL Shield, a testament to their dominance throughout the campaign. Following a decisive 2-0 victory over Seattle, the Current now boasts an impressive record of 17 wins, two draws, and just two losses from 21 matches. Temwa Chawinga, who celebrated her birthday with a goal, has tied for the league’s top scorer with 13 goals, showcasing her pivotal role in the team’s success. Under the guidance of coach Vlatko Andonovski, the Current appears poised for a deep playoff run, demonstrating a blend of tactical acumen and individual brilliance.

Washington Spirit: Resilience Amidst Challenges

Previous Ranking: 2
Next Match: Sunday, September 28 vs. Houston Dash, 1 p.m. ET

The Washington Spirit continues to display resilience, managing a 2-2 draw against Angel City despite missing key midfielder Hal Hershfelt due to suspension. Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune both found the net, contributing to the Spirit’s impressive streak of nine games without a loss, although six of those matches ended in draws. This trend highlights the team’s ability to secure points even when not at their best, a crucial skill as they head into the postseason.

Gotham FC: Finding Their Rhythm

Previous Ranking: 3
Next Match: Friday, September 26 vs. Portland Thorns, 8 p.m. ET

Gotham FC is gradually regaining its form, with Rose Lavelle scoring in a 1-1 draw against California rivals. After a challenging start to the season due to injuries, Lavelle’s return to the scoresheet is a promising sign for the team. With a series of crucial matches ahead, Gotham is looking to solidify its playoff position and capitalize on the momentum gained from recent performances.

San Diego Wave: Struggling to Find Consistency

Previous Ranking: 4
Next Match: Friday, September 26 vs. Orlando Pride, 10:30 p.m. ET

San Diego Wave’s recent form has been less than stellar, with a 1-1 draw against Portland marking their fourth game without a win. Despite outshooting their opponents, they have struggled to convert chances into goals. With only five points separating them from teams outside the playoff positions, the Wave must find a way to regain their winning touch, especially with a matchup against the struggling Orlando Pride on the horizon.

Orlando Pride: A Season of Frustration

Previous Ranking: 5
Next Match: Friday, September 26 vs. San Diego Wave, 10:30 p.m. ET

The Orlando Pride’s winless streak has now extended to nine games, following a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to North Carolina Courage. The defeat came in the dying moments of the match, underscoring the team’s struggles to close out games. Once a contender for playoff positions, the Pride now find themselves in a precarious situation, desperately needing a win to revive their season.

Racing Louisville: A Season of Missed Opportunities

Previous Ranking: 6
Next Match: Saturday, September 27 vs. Angel City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET

Racing Louisville’s recent form has been disappointing, with three consecutive losses marking a troubling trend. After a promising start to the season, the team now faces the possibility of finishing in ninth place for the fifth consecutive year. With only a handful of matches left, Louisville must rally to secure points and keep their playoff hopes alive.

North Carolina Courage: A Turnaround in Form

Previous Ranking: 9
Next Match: Sunday, September 28 vs. NC Courage, 8 p.m. ET

The North Carolina Courage has experienced a tumultuous season, including a coaching change and a six-game winless streak. However, a recent 1-0 victory over the reigning champions has injected new life into their campaign. With young talent like Shinomi Koyama stepping up, the Courage are now back in playoff contention, showcasing the potential for a dramatic turnaround.

Seattle Reign: A Mixed Bag of Results

Previous Ranking: 10
Next Match: Sunday, September 28 vs. North Carolina Courage, 8 p.m. ET

Seattle Reign’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, highlighted by a narrow 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville followed by a loss to Kansas City. Despite Claudia Dickey’s impressive six-save performance, the team must find a way to regain consistency as they prepare for a crucial match against North Carolina.

Angel City FC: Battling for Playoff Position

Previous Ranking: 11
Next Match: Saturday, September 27 vs. Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. ET

Angel City FC’s recent draw against Washington Spirit showcased their fighting spirit, but they remain in 11th place, four points adrift of the playoff positions. With key players like Gisele Thompson contributing significantly, the team must capitalize on their upcoming matches to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Utah Royals: A Glimmer of Hope

Previous Ranking: 12
Next Match: Saturday, September 27 vs. Bay FC, 10 p.m. ET

The Utah Royals have shown signs of improvement, recently securing a 3-2 victory over Racing Louisville. This win marks a significant turnaround, as they have gone six games without a loss, including three wins. With their newfound momentum, the Royals are looking to climb further up the standings.

Chicago Stars: A Season to Forget

Previous Ranking: 13
Next Match: Saturday, September 27 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET

The Chicago Stars continue to struggle, having not won a game since June 7. Their recent draw against Gotham FC was a small consolation, but the team remains in dire need of a victory to salvage their season. With only a few matches left, the Stars must find a way to turn their fortunes around.

Conclusion

As the NWSL season approaches its climax, the competition intensifies. Teams like Kansas City Current are setting records, while others like Orlando Pride and Chicago Stars are grappling with disappointing seasons. With the playoffs on the horizon, every match becomes crucial, and the coming weeks will determine which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spots in the postseason. The league’s unpredictability continues to captivate fans, making each game a must-watch as the drama unfolds.