NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City and San Diego Lead the Pack

As the NWSL heads into the summer break, Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave have established themselves as the teams to beat. Here’s a breakdown of the latest power rankings and key performances from Matchday 13.

1. Kansas City Current

Previous ranking: 1 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Racing Louisville, 8 p.m. ET

Kansas City Current continues to dominate the league, maintaining their top spot with a slim 1-0 victory over Angel City. Despite being held goalless for most of the match, a crucial goal by Bia Zaneratto in the 69th minute secured the win. The Current now enjoy an eight-point lead over second-place Orlando.

2. San Diego Wave FC

Previous ranking: 2 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 2 vs. NC Courage, 7.30 p.m. ET

San Diego Wave FC remains hot, with just one loss and two draws in their last nine matches. A 0-0 draw against Washington Spirit showcased their defensive solidity, even though they dominated possession and shots.

3. Washington Spirit

Previous ranking: 4 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 3 vs. Portland, 12.30 p.m. ET

The Spirit put up a commendable fight against San Diego, with Aubrey Kingsbury making six essential saves. Their defensive prowess and tactical discipline under new manager Adrian Gonzalez have been key to their recent success.

4. NJ/NY Gotham FC

Previous ranking: 5 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Chicago Stars, 8 p.m. ET

Esther González continues to shine, scoring her 10th goal of the season in a 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Her form has been instrumental in Gotham’s rise, and she now leads the NWSL Golden Boot race.

5. Orlando Pride

Previous ranking: 3 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 3 vs. Utah Royals, 6 p.m. ET

Orlando Pride suffered a 2-0 loss to Racing Louisville, marking their fourth defeat of the season. Despite the setback, they remain one of the league’s top teams, though they’ll need to regroup during the break.

6. Racing Louisville FC

Previous ranking: 8 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Kansas City, 8 p.m. ET

Racing Louisville’s 2-0 victory over Orlando Pride was a statement win. Jordyn Bloomer’s seven saves and two set-piece goals highlighted their growing confidence.

7. Seattle Reign FC

Previous ranking: 7 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Angel City, 10.30 p.m. ET

Seattle Reign FC showcased their depth in a 4-1 win over Utah Royals. Veteran Ji So-Yun and young talents like Emeri Adames and Maddie Dahlien contributed significantly to the victory.

8. Portland Thorns

Previous ranking: 6 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 3 vs. Portland, 12.30 p.m. ET

Portland Thorns secured a narrow 1-0 win over Chicago Stars, thanks to Pietra Tordin’s third goal of the season. Sam Coffey’s assist was a key moment in the match.

9. North Carolina Courage

Previous ranking: 10 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 2 vs. San Diego, 7.30 p.m. ET

North Carolina Courage fought back from an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory over Houston Dash. Jaedyn Shaw and Manaka Matsukubo were instrumental in the comeback.

10. Bay FC

Previous ranking: 9 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 2 vs. Houston, 10 p.m. ET

Bay FC suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Gotham FC, despite a brave performance. Coach Albertin Montoya acknowledged their effort, but they’ll need to bounce back after the break.

11. Angel City FC

Previous ranking: 11 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Seattle Reign, 10.30 p.m. ET

Angel City FC played defensively against Kansas City but ultimately fell 1-0. It was their fourth loss in five games, highlighting the need for a turnaround.

12. Houston Dash

Previous ranking: 12 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 2 vs. Bay FC, 10 p.m. ET

Houston Dash took an early lead against North Carolina but couldn’t hold on, losing 2-1. Avery Patterson’s goal was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing match.

13. Chicago Stars FC

Previous ranking: 13 Next match: Friday, Aug. 1 vs. Gotham FC, 8 p.m. ET

Chicago Stars FC kept the match close against Portland but ultimately fell 1-0. Their defense held firm, but they lacked the cutting edge in attack.

14. Utah Royals

Previous ranking: 14 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 3 vs. Orlando Pride, 6 p.m. ET

Utah Royals suffered another heavy defeat, losing 4-1 to Seattle Reign FC. They’ve conceded the most goals in the league and will need the summer break to regroup.