It’s Monday, and we’ve wrapped up another exciting weekend of NWSL action. This means it’s time to unveil ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which teams are rising up the rankings? Which ones are sliding down? Our writers have closely analyzed Matchday 24 to produce this week’s rankings for all 14 teams in the league. Let’s get started.
Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Houston Dash, 7:30 p.m. ET
Kansas City is making a strong push for the playoffs after defeating another leading team this weekend. With goals from Temwa Chawinga and Bia Zaneratto, the league leaders secured a 2-0 victory over Gotham FC at CPKC Stadium. Chawinga’s goal also extended her lead in the Golden Boot race over Gotham’s Esther González to two goals. This win allowed the Current to set a new NWSL points record for a single season.
Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Orlando Pride, 12:30 p.m. ET
Trinity Rodman scored her fifth goal of the season, a left-footed strike that propelled the Spirit to a 1-1 draw against North Carolina. The outcome, alongside Gotham’s loss to Kansas City, means the Spirit have clinched home-field advantage for the playoff semifinals. After a record attendance at Audi Field, this is a significant boost for last season’s runners-up as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting playoff run.
Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Racing Louisville, 3 p.m. ET
Gotham FC faced a setback without their star goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, who was sidelined with a knee injury. The Bats started Shelby Hogan as goalkeeper in a challenging matchup against Kansas City. Despite her solid performance, Gotham lost 2-0. They outshot their opponents but managed only two shots on target, while team topscorer Esther’s scoring drought extended to four matches. With this defeat, they are currently fourth in the standings and will need to fight to maintain their home-field advantage in their upcoming matches against playoff contenders Racing Louisville and North Carolina.
Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Washington Spirit, 12:30 p.m. ET
In her return from a back injury, Orlando’s veteran Marta sparked a crucial own goal by Portland in stoppage time, leading to a vital win. This victory marked Orlando’s second triumph in their current three-game unbeaten streak, highlighting a much-needed turnaround after a nine-game winless stretch. The reigning champions find themselves in third place but have significant matches ahead against second-placed Washington Spirit and fifth-placed Seattle Reign.
Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Angel City FC, 5 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+)
The Thorns struggled in a close match against Orlando, with the final blow coming from Marta’s late corner that resulted in an own goal. A draw or win could have secured Portland a playoff spot, but with this defeat, they now sit in seventh place and will aim to secure a playoff position against Angel City next weekend.
Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET
Seattle’s stalwart veteran Jess Fishlock salvaged a point for the Reign in a 1-1 draw against Bay FC. Fishlock’s sixth goal of the season helped the team secure their second consecutive draw as they continue their three-game unbeaten streak, finishing the weekend in fifth place. While they may regret not walking away with all three points, they are well-positioned for a playoff berth.
Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Chicago Stars, 10 p.m. ET
San Diego finds itself in a critical playoff situation but managed to stay alive in the hunt with a much-needed 3-2 victory against Utah, ending a seven-game winless streak. This win places them sixth in a tightly contested table as they gear up for their final matches. With their current form, they have the potential to make a playoff run but must maintain focus to lock in their spot.
Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Gotham FC, 3 p.m. ET
Bethany Balcer scored a crucial equalizer in the 93rd minute against the already eliminated Chicago Stars, helping Louisville secure the eighth and final playoff spot, currently four points ahead of North Carolina Courage. They have two pivotal games left, beginning with a tough match against Gotham, and would make club history by remaining above the playoff line.
Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Bay FC, 10 p.m. ET
North Carolina Courage managed a draw against the second-place Spirit at home, finishing the weekend in ninth place and four points adrift of the playoffs. They will need to secure positive results in their final two matches against Bay FC and Gotham to stand a chance of making the postseason.
Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Portland Thorns, 5 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+)
Angel City maintained their playoff hopes after defeating Houston 2-0, demonstrating a solid offensive performance. With two matches remaining, they need to win both to enhance their chances of securing a playoff position, with their next challenge against Portland.
Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. KC Current, 7:30 p.m. ET
Despite Houston’s slim playoff aspirations, they fell to Angel City FC 2-0 and currently sit in 11th place. With difficult matches ahead including a meeting with Kansas City, they must secure crucial wins to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Seattle Reign, 10 p.m. ET
The Utah Royals finished their season with a commendable effort despite a 3-2 loss to San Diego, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. They held their own, taking an early lead, but ultimately needed a win to stay in the hunt. Nonetheless, their end-of-year form is something for the fans to celebrate.
Previous ranking: 13
Next match: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. NC Courage, 10 p.m. ET
Bay FC had already been knocked out of playoff contention prior to their 1-1 draw with Seattle Reign, but they delivered a commendable performance on the road. Jordan Silkowitz made three notable saves, keeping Seattle at bay until the late stages of the match, which they nearly won.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET
Alyssa Naeher showcased her elite skills with eight saves for the Stars in a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville, a match they nearly won until Balcer equalized in stoppage time.