NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City’s Remarkable Streak Continues
By: Jon Arnold
Date: October 7, 2025
It’s that time again! The latest round of NWSL matches have concluded, and it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings. Which teams are making strides upward, and which ones are struggling? Our analysts took a close look at the events from Matchday 23 and compiled the hierarchy of the 14 teams. Let’s get started.
1. Kansas City Current
Previous ranking: 1
Upcoming match: Saturday vs. Gotham FC, 5 p.m. ET
Substituting in the 58th minute, Michelle Cooper quickly made her mark by scoring in the 59th minute, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Angel City. Coach Vlatko Andonovski showcased several younger players in Southern California, but his team solidified its place atop the rankings with an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak.
2. Washington Spirit
Previous ranking: 2
Upcoming match: Saturday at North Carolina Courage, 7:30 p.m. ET
Rosemonde Kouassi was a key player for the Spirit this past weekend, scoring first with a header in the 9th minute and then sealing a 2-1 victory over San Diego with a spectacular long-range shot in injury time. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, it was Kouassi’s late heroics that ultimately saved the day for Washington.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Previous ranking: 3
Upcoming match: Saturday at Kansas City Current, 5 p.m. ET
Gotham FC generated few opportunities in a scoreless draw with Seattle, with Rose Lavelle coming closest to scoring just before halftime. The team’s defense was solid, allowing only a single shot throughout the match as they prepare for a challenging away fixture against Kansas City.
4. Portland Thorns
Previous ranking: 5
Upcoming match: Friday at Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET
This past Saturday was a memorable occasion for the Thorns as they honored Christine Sinclair, their all-time leading scorer, by enshrining her in the Thorns Hall of Fame and retiring her No. 12 jersey. On the field, they achieved a 2-1 comeback victory against Bay FC, propelled by a brace from the 20-year-old Olivia Moultrie, helping them climb up the league table.
5. Orlando Pride
Previous ranking: 6
Upcoming match: Friday vs. Portland Thorns, 8 p.m. ET
After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Club América in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Pride had trouble finding their rhythm again, settling for a 1-1 draw with Houston Dash. Down in sixth place with only three matches left, Orlando needs to find urgency heading into their crucial home match against Portland.
6. Seattle Reign FC
Previous ranking: 7
Upcoming match: Friday vs. Bay FC, 10:30 p.m. ET
Seattle managed to hold Gotham to a scoreless draw despite one shot on goal that was blocked in the dying moments. The point gained from this result keeps them in fifth place and within reach of a home playoff spot as they prepare for their next match.
7. Racing Louisville FC
Previous ranking: 9
Upcoming match: Friday vs. Chicago Stars, 7:30 p.m. ET
A stellar performance from Emma Sears, who netted two goals alongside a contribution from Kayla Fischer, propelled Racing to a significant 3-1 away victory over North Carolina. Sears’s tenth goal of the season places her among the league’s top scorers, showcasing Racing’s growing momentum in the playoff race.
8. San Diego Wave FC
Previous ranking: 4
Upcoming match: Saturday at Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET
Despite goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan making an impressive nine saves, the Wave succumbed to Washington with a 2-1 loss, mainly due to a long-range strike from Kouassi. With this latest defeat, they are now winless in seven matches, facing mounting pressure as they cling to playoff hopes.
9. Houston Dash
Previous ranking: 8
Upcoming match: Sunday at Angel City, 5 p.m. ET
After taking the lead through Malia Berkely</ the Dash let it slip away, drawing 1-1 with Orlando. While they showed improvement following a heavy loss to Washington, they still fall short of the pace needed to secure a postseason spot, especially with tough matches on the horizon.
10. North Carolina Courage
Previous ranking: 10
Upcoming match: Saturday vs. Washington Spirit, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Courage experienced a familiar disappointment after a strong performance led to a 3-1 defeat against Racing Louisville. Their failure to convert solid possession into goals has put their playoff aspirations in jeopardy, with tough matches upcoming against top-ranked opponents.
11. Utah Royals
Previous ranking: 11
Upcoming match: Saturday vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET
Mina Tanaka scored twice for the Royals, who were on track for a fourth consecutive win. However, a late surge from Chicago saw them settle for a 2-2 draw, breaking their winning streak but extending their unbeaten run to eight matches.
12. Angel City FC
Previous ranking: 12
Upcoming match: Sunday vs. Houston Dash, 5 p.m. ET
Angel City had chances to claim a victory over Kansas City but ultimately fell short in a 1-0 contest. Despite concerted efforts from players like Jun Endo, they couldn’t convert their opportunities against a resilient Current defense.
13. Bay FC
Previous ranking: 13
Upcoming match: Friday at Seattle Reign, 10:30 p.m. ET
Despite a promising start from Taylor Huff and several scoring chances, Bay FC fell short against Portland, resulting in a 2-1 loss. This defeat marks twelve consecutive matches without a win for the team.
14. Chicago Stars FC
Previous ranking: 14
Upcoming match: Friday at Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. ET
Despite facing a daunting challenge this season, the Stars showed resilience, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Utah with goals from Ivonne Chacón and Micayla Johnson. Converting some of their ten draws into victories will be essential for their progress in 2026.
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