NWSL Power Rankings: San Diego Wave's Unstoppable Rise and Key Matchups Ahead

The NWSL season is heating up, and the San Diego Wave are making headlines with their impressive form. Undefeated in six games, the Wave are showing no signs of slowing down. Let's break down the latest Power Rankings and key matchups to watch.

1. Kansas City Current

Previous ranking: 1 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Gotham FC, 1 p.m. ET Despite injuries to key players, the Current secured a 3-1 victory over Chicago Stars. Their midfield and full-backs were instrumental in outshooting Chicago 13-2.

2. San Diego Wave FC

Previous ranking: 3 Next match: Friday, June 6 vs. Seattle Reign, 10 p.m. ET The Wave overcame an early deficit to beat North Carolina 5-2. Adriana Leon's brace highlighted their clinical finishing and relentless attack.

3. Orlando Pride

Previous ranking: 2 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Houston Dash, 7 p.m. ET Barbra Banda's fastest hat trick in NWSL history led Orlando to a 3-1 win over Utah Royals, showcasing her unstoppable form.

4. NJ/NY Gotham FC

Previous ranking: 4 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. KC Current, 1 p.m. ET Gotham clinched the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup with a 1-0 win over Tigres, thanks to Esther González's decisive goal.

5. Washington Spirit

Previous ranking: 6 Next match: Sunday, June 8 vs. NC Courage, 4 p.m. ET Croix Bethune's return from injury has been a boost for the Spirit, contributing to a 2-1 win over Seattle with a well-placed goal.

6. Portland Thorns

Previous ranking: 5 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Bay FC, 7:30 p.m. ET Despite a semifinal loss in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, the Thorns secured third place with a 3-0 victory over Club América.

7. Seattle Reign FC

Previous ranking: 7 Next match: Friday, June 6 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET Claudia Dickey's two saves weren't enough as the Spirit outshot Seattle 17-7, leading to a 2-1 loss.

8. Racing Louisville FC

Previous ranking: 10 Next match: Friday, June 6 vs. Utah Royals, 7:30 p.m. ET Despite a red card, Louisville managed a 3-1 win over Angel City, thanks to Jordyn Bloomer's five saves and Courtney Petersen's goal-line clearance.

9. Angel City FC

Previous ranking: 9 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Chicago Stars, 10 p.m. ET Angel City suffered a second-straight loss against Racing Louisville, despite having a one-woman advantage for 23 minutes.

10. North Carolina Courage

Previous ranking: 8 Next match: Sunday, June 8 vs. Washington Spirit, 4 p.m. ET The Courage took an early lead but collapsed defensively, allowing San Diego to score five goals in a 5-2 loss.

11. Bay FC

Previous ranking: 11 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Portland Thorns, 7:30 p.m. ET Bay FC drew 2-2 with Houston, with Penelope Hocking scoring her third goal in three games.

12. Houston Dash

Previous ranking: 12 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Orlando Pride, 7 p.m. ET Avery Patterson's opening goal wasn't enough as Houston conceded two quick goals, but Messiah Bright salvaged a point with an 88th-minute goal.

13. Utah Royals

Previous ranking: 13 Next match: Friday, June 6 vs. Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. ET Utah struggled against Orlando, with Banda's hat trick leading to a 3-1 loss despite Brecken Mozingo's goal.

14. Chicago Stars FC

Previous ranking: 14 Next match: Saturday, June 7 vs. Angel City, 10 p.m. ET Chicago's defensive setup held off Kansas City for 34 minutes, but they ultimately fell 3-1, highlighting their need for more offensive firepower.

Key Takeaways:

San Diego Wave's unbeaten streak continues, making them a team to watch.
Barbra Banda's record-breaking hat trick cements her as one of the league's top players.
Gotham FC's Concacaf W Champions Cup win adds to their growing reputation.

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