NWSL Power Rankings: Chawinga Aims for Golden Boot as Current Breaks Records
Author: Megan Swanick | Date: Oct 13, 2025, 12:46 AM ET
As we enter another week of NWSL action, it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings to reflect on the latest developments following Matchday 24.
1. Kansas City Current
Previous Ranking: 1
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Houston Dash, 7:30 p.m. ET
Kansas City continues to dominate as they secure a crucial victory over Gotham FC, winning 2-0 at CPKC Stadium. Both Temwa Chawinga and Bia Zaneratto scored, extending Chawinga’s lead in the Golden Boot race by two goals. The Current has also set a new NWSL season points record.
2. Washington Spirit
Previous Ranking: 2
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Orlando Pride, 12:30 p.m. ET
Trinity Rodman scored to give the Spirit a lead, but they ended up with a 1-1 draw against North Carolina. This result, combined with Gotham’s loss, has clinched them home-field advantage for the playoff semifinals.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Previous Ranking: 3
Next Match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Racing Louisville, 3 p.m. ET
Gotham’s starting goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was sidelined due to a knee injury, leading to an opportunity for Shelby Hogan to debut. Despite a valiant effort, Gotham fell 2-0 to Kansas City. They are currently facing pressure to maintain their playoff position.
4. Orlando Pride
Previous Ranking: 5
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Washington Spirit, 12:30 p.m. ET
Veteran player Marta made a significant return by forcing an own goal in stoppage time, securing a win against the Portland Thorns. This win marks Orlando’s second consecutive game without a loss, pushing them up in the standings.
5. Portland Thorns
Previous Ranking: 4
Next Match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Angel City FC, 5 p.m. ET
Portland faced a heartbreaking defeat against Orlando, with the own goal marking their second loss in three games. They will need to secure points in their next matchup against Angel City to stay in playoff contention.
6. Seattle Reign FC
Previous Ranking: 6
Next Match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET
Seattle managed a 1-1 draw against Bay FC, thanks to a goal from Jess Fishlock. They remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, with a solid performance in their recent matches.
7. San Diego Wave FC
Previous Ranking: 8
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Chicago Stars, 10 p.m. ET
A crucial 3-2 victory over Utah has boosted San Diego up to sixth place, ending a seven-game winless streak. They need to maintain focus as they push for playoffs.
8. Racing Louisville FC
Previous Ranking: 7
Next Match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Gotham FC, 3 p.m. ET
Bethany Balcer scored a late equalizer against Chicago, keeping Racing in playoff contention as they currently sit in the eighth and final playoff position.
9. North Carolina Courage
Previous Ranking: 10
Next Match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Bay FC, 10 p.m. ET
North Carolina managed a draw against Washington, placing them on the cusp of a playoff spot. They must find success in their final two games to have any hope of advancing.
10. Angel City FC
Previous Ranking: 12
Next Match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Portland Thorns, 5 p.m. ET
Angel City achieved a significant 2-0 victory over Houston, keeping their playoff hopes alive. They need to win their last two matches to secure a spot.
11. Houston Dash
Previous Ranking: 9
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. KC Current, 7:30 p.m. ET
After a loss to Angel City, Houston finds themselves in a tough position, now needing to win their remaining matches to even have a chance at the playoffs.
12. Utah Royals
Previous Ranking: 11
Next Match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Seattle Reign, 10 p.m. ET
Utah’s season came to an end with a 3-2 loss to San Diego, concluding an admirable unbeaten run. They showed great spirit throughout the season, even if they ultimately did not make the playoffs.
13. Bay FC
Previous Ranking: 13
Next Match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. NC Courage, 10 p.m. ET
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, Bay FC put forth a strong performance against Seattle, almost clinching victory before a late equalizer.
14. Chicago Stars FC
Previous Ranking: 14
Next Match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET
Alyssa Naeher showcased her goalkeeping talent with eight saves during a 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville, although a late equalizer denied them a win.
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