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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
The longest NWSL season on record, featuring up to 30 games this year, has reached its midpoint, prompting ESPN’s midseason evaluations.
In our previous report cards from April, we took care to consider the limited data at hand, resulting in no failing assessments. In the spirit of nurturing development, we aimed to encourage optimism in the understanding that every team was striving for improvement.
Now, with every team having competed in a sufficient number of matches, we can celebrate those who have excelled and critique those who are currently struggling.
Here’s the state of all 16 teams in the NWSL:
Angel City FC (8th place; 7-1-7, 22 pts.)
Grade: C+
Angel City is in urgent need of consistent success on the field this season.
The decision to dismiss coach Alexander Straus mid-season, shortly after he joined the team last year, has hindered efforts toward stability and continuity in 2026. This critical moment will be pivotal as the next head coach must be someone who can offer long-term leadership. Such circumstances play a significant role in our midseason assessment.
Despite these challenges, Angel City currently holds the eighth spot, just above the playoff cut. Securing a postseason berth would signify advancement and leave space for potential growth this season. Nonetheless, their strong start with a 3-0-0 record feels like a distant memory.
Was the three-game winning streak following the men’s World Cup break merely a temporary boost from an interim coach? The team’s lackluster performance in their recent home loss to 11th-place Racing Louisville raises questions about their response in a demanding August schedule featuring six matches.
Bay FC (14th place; 5-3-8, 18 pts.)
Grade: C
Bay FC is embarking on a multi-year rebuilding project, which means we’re adjusting our grading scale accordingly.
The offseason acquisition of U.S. women’s national team midfielder Claire Hutton has provided a solid foundation for the team, while the midseason addition of Kennedy Fuller has further boosted optimism for the future. With forwards Alex Pfeiffer and Karlie Lema, along with promising goalkeeper and rising USWNT prospect Jordan Silkowitz, there are clear indicators of potential success.
Coach Emma Coates is still piecing the puzzle together in her inaugural season. Bay’s performance has been uneven, which is expected during this transitional phase.
Boston Legacy FC (13th place; 5-4-8, 19 pts.)
Grade: B-
There’s a sense of optimism brewing in Rhode Island—oops, Boston.
The Legacy experienced a rocky start, losing their first five games, but have turned around to a 3-1-1 record since the World Cup break, showcasing a much stronger, competitive squad. Victories over the Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride during this span indicate growth, and they narrowly lost 2-1 against the Washington Spirit.
This improvement coincides with a tactical shift. Coach Filipa Patão opted for a more traditional 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation since the break, abandoning a three-back system that didn’t fit her squad’s strengths, and the results have been favorable.
Forward Aïssata Traoré is leading the team with five goals. The key question now is whether their major signing, Amanda Gutierres, will find her footing in the league and contribute as expected. After a challenging beginning, Boston shows substantial signs of improvement.
Chicago Stars (15th place; 4-0-12, 12 pts.)
Grade: F
After finishing at the bottom last year, Chicago’s season has seen moments of early optimism but lacks significant improvement. Although the Stars have already exceeded last year’s total of three wins, they have matched last year’s record of 12 losses—no other team in the NWSL has played without a single draw.
Expectation for growth was already low, yet the Stars have not met even that minimum. They have managed to score only eight goals in 22 games, resulting in the worst goal difference in the league at -23.
Richard Feuz was let go as the general manager in May, and no successor has been named. The new hire will need better resources and budget from ownership to help effect change. On the positive side, there’s excitement surrounding the return of forward Mallory Swanson who brings renewed talent and energy to the squad.
The pressing issues for Chicago remain the same as they have been for several years: What is the strategy for enhancing on-field performance? Will there be increased financial backing to support this? Who will assist Swanson? And what is the plan for home games next season? There’s a troubling sense of déjà vu.
Denver Summit FC (11th place; 5-4-6, 19 pts.)
Grade: B
Denver is on equal points with Boston but has played two fewer matches and has a potentially higher ceiling.
This season has displayed some inconsistency for Denver, but the team remains competitive, bolstered by a seasoned roster. The arrival of USWNT midfielder Lindsey Heaps added vital experience to the midfield. In her debut, she provided the winning assist against her former team, Portland, and helped nearly earn a point against the Washington Spirit.
The victory over the Thorns, followed closely by a narrow defeat to the Washington Spirit, solidifies Denver’s competitive potential. They stand a solid chance to reach the playoffs in their first year and recently had a successful opener at Centennial Stadium with a sold-out crowd. What more could they possibly desire?
Gotham FC (2nd place; 10-4-3, 34 pts.)
Grade: A-
The reigning NWSL champions are right in the hunt for the NWSL Shield, a significant improvement from last season’s playoff push when they were the No. 8 seed.
After their recent triumph over the Washington Spirit at Citi Field, Gotham also celebrated an incredible comeback against the Seattle Reign.
Returning forward Sam Kerr, who had a successful six years at Chelsea, has strengthened the squad significantly.
However, Gotham has not been without challenges. While expectations are high, they’ve faced inconsistencies, including a poor showing in Mexico during the Concacaf W Champions Cup, an event that does not impact the evaluation of the regular season standings.
Recent developments have seen leading scorer Esther González controversially leave the team due to a mutual contract termination, and defender Emily Sonnett appears to be suffering from a serious knee injury. These absences will have notable consequences moving forward.
Houston Dash (12th place; 5-4-7, 19 pts.)
Grade: B-
The performance for Houston has been erratic, especially after an initial good start this season that had them looking like potential playoff contenders.
While they’ve shown promise, defensive struggles have plagued the team, oscillating between strong efforts and lackluster ones. Despite these ups and downs, they remain only three points from the playoff line.
There are cautious grounds for optimism, considering long-term foundation building with a promising young core. Rookie Kat Rader has already scored six goals, which is impressive for a newcomer, while fellow rookie Linda Ullmark has contributed three assists. There’s also a hint of promise in other first-year players, including forward Kate Faasse, along with contributions from Kiki Van Zanten.
The ongoing question for Houston, reflective of broader league themes, remains whether everyone involved will remain committed to the team’s long-term vision.
Kansas City is entering another phase without forward Temwa Chawinga, who is currently on international duty, dramatically impacting the team’s dynamics.
The Current has also shown erratic performance based on their location, having built an impressive unbeaten streak at home making CPKC Stadium a fortress, yet suffering seven losses on the road—exceeding their combined losses from the previous two years. Such stats impede their chances for a Shield or title run.
With Claire Hutton’s absence from midfield, it appears unlikely they will secure a new long-term No. 6 until the winter transfer window.
Despite improvements in team morale and results since a poor start to the season, the Current have championship aspirations that necessitate elevated performance levels, reflected in our assessments.
Ashley Sanchez is enjoying a standout season with nine goals, tying her for second in the NWSL, which aligns with new head coach Mak Lind’s vision of prioritizing scoring.
However, North Carolina hasn’t yet shown significant improvement in their standings from last year, and their journey got tougher following the summer transfer of Manaka Matsukubo to Chelsea, who scored five goals and provided four assists in just nine appearances.
Forward Evelyn Ijeh and midfielder Shinomi Koyama will need to step up their development to help cover some of that gap and push the Courage into contention. A recent 4-1 loss against the Utah Royals highlighted the distance still to travel for playoff-bound aspirations.
Orlando Pride (7th place; 7-2-8, 23 pts.)
Grade: B-
Orlando’s performance has been inconsistent, fluctuating between acceptable and lackluster. Viewed through the prism of last season’s historic double-winning team, the current squad seems to be nestled in a challenging place.
Results have varied widely—from a notable 3-0 win over Kansas City to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Boston—which reflects the unpredictable nature of the NWSL. However, with their current lineup’s talent and experience, they should aspire to significantly improve upon merely holding onto a playoff position.
Leading the league in scoring is Barbra Banda, who has netted 12 goals, though the rest of the squad has scored a mere 10. Meanwhile, Marta‘s performance appears to have declined, and Lizbeth Ovalle has yet to fully showcase her potential, particularly near the goal.
Portland Thorns (5th place; 8-4-5, 28 pts.)
Grade: B+
Expectations for this Thorns squad were subdued at the start of the season. Coach Robert Vilahamn took on his role barely a day ahead of their first match, following a prolonged search to find a suitable candidate. Additionally, the departure of captain Sam Coffey left a considerable gap in the midfield.
Despite these obstacles, Portland has been a contender for the Shield from the outset, starting with a strong opening-day victory against the Washington Spirit. Credit goes to assistant Sarah Lowdon for the team’s successful guidance through the offseason.
The return of forward Sophia Wilson from maternity leave has greatly impacted the squad, and she remains a crucial threat in front of goal. Olivia Moultrie continues to rank among the league’s top attacking midfielders, while forward Pietra Tordin is establishing herself as a reliable starter, enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities.
Racing Louisville has emerged as the season’s biggest disappointment. Historically, they have consistently finished ninth but managed to reach the playoffs last year. Under coach Bev Yanez, they developed a tough persona and became notably difficult to beat, employing a counterattacking style that exceeded expectations.
Currently, they are sitting in last place with slim prospects of making the playoffs. Their star player, USWNT forward Emma Sears, has expressed intentions of requesting a trade, and the competitive edge that characterized last season appears to be absent. Their recent match saw them suffer a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Kansas City, which mirrors their late-point losses from last year.
Off the pitch, concerns about the franchise’s future in the NWSL and in Louisville persist as ownership seeks additional financial investment. The momentum established last season has not only stagnated but feels like a distant memory.
San Diego Wave FC (4th place; 9-2-6, 28 pts.)
Grade: B
San Diego commenced the season showcasing an attractive style of play, which can be attributed to its strong French-Brazilian connections within the attack. However, the key to their early success, winger Dudinha, is now sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury while representing Brazil in June.
Forward Trinity Byars has stepped up to share the scoring responsibilities. Additionally, fullback Mimi Van Zanten has provided width to the Wave’s offensive play, alongside Melanie Barcenas, among others, who are expanding their contributions.
The Wave’s largest concern remains their goalkeeper situation, having fielded four different players in 17 matches. Leah Freeman (six starts) has departed, and 19-year-old Luisa Agudelo briefly stepped in before the arrival of seasoned veteran Sandra Paños, who had a challenging debut. Other leading competitors lack such goalkeeper uncertainties apart from injury situations.
Since the World Cup break, the Wave have recorded a victory against Gotham, drawn with Kansas City, and faced defeats to Seattle and Angel City. Can the true San Diego emerge from this unpredictable patch?
Seattle Reign FC (10th place; 6-2-7, 20 pts.)
Grade: C+
Inconsistent performances have characterized the Reign’s season thus far. They have experienced significant lows, such as a disturbing two-goal loss to Portland while having a two-player advantage, marking one of the worst regular-season losses in history given the circumstances. More recently, they made history by being the first NWSL team to lose a match after leading 2-0 in the 80th minute against Gotham.
Nevertheless, the team has shown resilience. Following that loss to Portland, they achieved a solid 3-0 victory over Kansas City during an unbeaten homestand in Spokane. Additionally, individual players have shined, including forward Maddie Mercado, who has netted five goals this season.
Seattle remains in contention for a playoff spot, aligning with expectations for a team that outperformed last season. To elevate their performance, they will need more contributions from high-anticipated players like forward Mia Fishel.
Utah Royals (3rd place; 9-3-5, 30 pts.)
Grade: A
The Royals are enjoying an exceptional season, reminiscent of Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title win a decade ago; many expected them to quickly regress.
After suffering losses against poorly ranked Chicago and reigning champions Gotham post-break, Utah managed to regroup, promptly defeating both Orlando and North Carolina.
This success stems from a true team effort, highlighted by their robust defense. Recently, they successfully neutralized NWSL Golden Boot leader Barbra Banda while shutting out Orlando, displaying an impressive ability to score, including three goals from corner kicks and one from a penalty in a 4-1 victory over the Courage.
Currently, the Royals remain competitive for the Shield and diligently played Washington close in their latest match, a 1-0 loss. Unless there’s a remarkable collapse that sees them slide out of the playoff picture, this season will be considered a success for Utah, who have exceeded all initial expectations.
Washington Spirit (1st place; 11-3-3, 36 pts.)
Grade: A+
The Spirit are currently the frontrunners for the Shield, achieving an impressive 11 victories in their last 13 matches. Following a slow start, they found their rhythm, although their performance in the Concacaf W Champions Cup in Mexico this past May left much to be desired. Nonetheless, they recovered with a remarkable run featuring ten wins out of twelve, facing only defeats to fellow contenders San Diego and Gotham along the way.
Meeting the expectations set forth as favorites can be daunting, particularly after enduring back-to-back final losses, as well as navigating the pressure brought on by the record contract signed with forward Trinity Rodman. Yet Rodman has risen to the occasion, scoring eight goals to remain in the Golden Boot race, greatly contributing to Washington’s points tally.
The Spirit continue to exhibit their depth and versatility throughout the strenuous NWSL summer, notably managing various absences due to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Whether rotating through a physically demanding schedule to secure a win against Boston on short notice or utilizing star Leicy Santos off the bench to unlock the Denver Summit, the Spirit stands as the best and most consistent force in the NWSL at present.