As the NWSL playoffs approach in just a month, the top teams are starting to distinguish themselves from those that aren’t quite making the cut.
This week, seven of the top eight teams managed to secure results. Each one is vying for a top-four finish, which comes with the advantage of hosting a playoff match.
So, who’s stepping up and who’s slipping further behind?
NWSL Power Rankings Matchweek 24
1. Gotham FC | 1-1 draw vs Angel City FC
Jaedyn Shaw is having a breakout season, now tallying double-digit goals for the first time.
However, Gotham couldn’t maintain their advantage against Angel City, a match that many viewed as a preview for the playoffs. A win would have put them in a strong position for the NWSL Shield, but a late equalizer in stoppage time denied them.
One concerning trend for Gotham is, they’ve now allowed goals in six consecutive matches and haven’t managed a clean sheet since August 23.
2. San Diego Wave | 2-1 win at Orlando Pride
The San Diego Wave are currently in formidable form, riding a four-game winning streak.
In their recent match against Orlando Pride, they got off to a strong start, with Lia Godfrey and Gia Corley scoring early goals in the first half.
This team stands out with the second-highest scoring offense and the best defense in the league.
The alarming fact? They lead in missed big chances with 50 and have allowed the fewest xG with a margin of 5.8. If they can convert more of their opportunities, the Wave could become the team to beat come playoff time.
3. Washington Spirit | 3-2 win at Houston Dash
Clara Luvanga scored her inaugural NWSL goal at a critical juncture, netting the winning goal in the 84th minute of a match that was tied 2-2.
Washington secured three essential points, outpacing Houston in metrics like xG (2.25 to 1.19), total shots (25 to 13), and touches inside the opponent’s box (43 to 20).
But the underlying question is, can they maintain consistency? Their recent form shows a pattern of alternating wins and losses.
4. Angel City FC | 1-1 draw at Gotham FC
Angel City FC remains unbeaten in seven matches, with Taylor Suarez emerging as a key player by scoring the equalizer in the second half’s stoppage time.
During this impressive stretch, they’ve outscored rivals 20-7 and allowed just two goals in their last four games.
Angel City is certainly a team that other clubs in the playoffs will likely respect, considering their solid defensive record and capable attack.
I wonder if interim head coach Leif Smerud can guide the team to their second playoff appearance?
5. Kansas City Current (+1) | 5-1 win vs Bay FC
Debinha shone brightly with a second-half hat trick as the Current cruised to a 5-1 victory over Bay FC.
Kansas City has scored a staggering 9-2 in their last two fixtures.
They’re peaking right now and lead in several metrics, including xG generated, xG differential, and big chances created.
But can they replicate this performance away from home? Next up, they face Utah Royals on the road.
6. Utah Royals (-1) | 1-1 draw at Racing Louisville
Utah salvaged a point against Racing Louisville with Brecken Mozingo’s goal in the 97th minute.
Despite being on the brink of their first postseason appearance, consistency remains elusive for the Royals, as evidenced by their win-loss oscillation over the last 11 games.
7. North Carolina Courage (+2) | 1-0 win at Seattle Reign
Gianna Paul, newly signed, made her presence felt by scoring the decisive goal in this crucial match.
The Courage secured this 1-0 victory to climb above Seattle in the standings after suffering three close defeats.
As the end of the season approaches, North Carolina’s path remains challenging with tough competitors ahead. Even though they’ve scored the most goals in the league, can their defense, which has conceded a considerable number, withstand this final stretch?
8. Portland Thorns (-1) | 2-4 loss vs Boston Legacy
Was this the final match for Sophia Wilson at Providence Park as a Thorns player? After receiving an early red card, she faces a potential suspension that could keep her out for at least one game, possibly two.
Portland’s struggles at home continue, as they’ve only earned two points against teams like Washington, Chicago, and now Boston.
Head coach Robert Vilahamn had a favorable schedule post-international break but didn’t make the most of the opportunity.
The looming question is, can they maintain a playoff position, or will things get worse for the Rose City squad?
9. Seattle Reign (-1) | 0-1 lost to NC Courage
In what was likely their most significant match of the season, the Seattle Reign’s offense struggled yet again, failing to score against NC Courage.
Adding to their troubles, they have struggled with generating xG in their past four matches.
Will they find a way to turn their fortunes around, or is this season’s playoff dream slipping away?
10. Denver Summit | 3-0 win at Chicago Stars
The expansion side, Denver Summit, has been impressive under Lindsey Heaps, who had a standout performance, scoring two goals in their 3-0 victory over Chicago Stars.
They’ve performed well with a record of 5 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws when she’s been in play.
For any shot at the postseason, they’ll need to maximize points and hope for favorable outcomes from other teams.
The future seems promising, potentially making them contenders in 2027.
11. Boston Legacy (+3) | 4-2 win at Portland Thorns
Boston Legacy capitalized on an early advantage, defeating Portland Thorns 4-2.
Filipa Patão has been instrumental in setting up forward Amanda Gutierres, who has notably scored six of her nine goals as a substitute.
Could the former Ballon d’Or Féminin nominee find compatibility with Aïssata Traoré in a future collaboration?
12. Orlando Pride (-1) | 1-2 loss vs San Diego Wave
It seems likely that Orlando Pride will find themselves eliminated from playoff contention very soon, as they are no longer in the race with the top teams.
With Barbra Banda now secured with a lucrative extension, the club’s decision-makers will need to rethink their strategy around this standout player.
Has the team truly lost their former luster? Absolutely.
13. Houston Dash (-1) | 2-3 loss vs Washington Spirit
Miljana Ivanović scored her first two goals in the NWSL, but it didn’t help Houston secure any points against Washington.
Despite a promising young lineup, many questions linger for Angela Hucles Mangano and the Dash.
What’s next for them?
14. Bay FC (-1) | 1-5 loss at KC Current
Karlie Lema got Bay FC off to a great start by scoring the opening goal, but it quickly deteriorated into a nightmare as they conceded five unanswered goals.
Over their recent stretch of games, three consecutive losses have been by two or more goals.
Chief Football Officer Paul Green now faces the challenge of finding reinforcements for a young team that’s among the weakest in both offense and defense.
15. Racing Louisville | 1-1 draw vs Utah Royals
In a heartfelt comeback, Savannah DeMelo made her return to NWSL play after a medical emergency kept her sidelined since September 14, 2025.
“It’s probably the greatest accomplishment I’ll ever have in my soccer career,” she expressed following the match.
Despite a commendable performance, Louisville was unable to secure a win against Utah Royals.
16. Chicago Stars | 0-3 loss vs Denver Summit
A new chapter has begun with the arrival of Vlatko Andonovski.
Leila Ouahabi has transitioned to Chicago after four seasons with Manchester City and is now set to play for Gotham FC.
This marks just the beginning of significant changes anticipated under the club’s new Chief Soccer Officer, as they aim to revitalize their struggling attack and defense.
