NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City Current Continue Their Dominance

The NWSL is back in action after the summer break, and the Kansas City Current have picked up right where they left off. With an impressive seven-game winning streak, they remain at the top of the league standings. Here's a breakdown of the latest power rankings after Matchday 14.

1. Kansas City Current

Previous ranking: 1 Next match: Friday, Aug. 8 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET Kansas City continued their dominant form with a 2-0 victory over Racing Louisville. Temwa Chawinga scored her ninth goal of the season, keeping her in the race for the NWSL Golden Boot. The Current are now 10 points clear at the top of the table, making them the team to beat.

2. Washington Spirit

Previous ranking: 3 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Gotham FC, 12 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+) Trinity Rodman made a triumphant return, scoring the match-winning goal in stoppage time against Portland. Her emotional celebration highlighted the significance of her comeback from a chronic back injury.

3. San Diego Wave FC

Previous ranking: 2 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Angel City, 10 p.m. ET Despite firing off 18 shots, San Diego could only manage a 0-0 draw with North Carolina. They’ll need to improve their finishing as they prepare to face their SoCal rivals, Angel City.

4. Orlando Pride

Previous ranking: 5 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Racing Louisville, 7.30 p.m. ET Orlando salvaged a point against the Utah Royals thanks to a late equalizer from Prisca Chilufya. With key players returning, they’ll look to build momentum in their upcoming match.

5. Seattle Reign FC

Previous ranking: 7 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 10 vs. Portland Thorns, 4 p.m. ET Jess Fishlock scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Angel City, with Claudia Dickey’s six saves ensuring the clean sheet. Seattle is showing strong form as they head into the Battle of Cascadia.

6. Portland Thorns

Previous ranking: 8 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 10 vs. Seattle Reign, 4 p.m. ET Despite a strong performance, Portland fell 2-1 to Washington. They’ll need to regroup quickly as they face Seattle in a crucial derby match.

7. North Carolina Courage

Previous ranking: 9 Next match: Friday, Aug. 8 vs. Houston Dash, 8 p.m. ET North Carolina held San Diego to a 0-0 draw, showcasing their defensive strength. However, they remain below the playoff line and will need to find more consistency.

8. Racing Louisville FC

Previous ranking: 6 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Orlando Pride, 7.30 p.m. ET Louisville struggled against Kansas City, managing just one shot on target. They’ll need to bounce back quickly against Orlando.

9. NJ/NY Gotham FC

Previous ranking: 4 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Washington Spirit, 12 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+) Gotham drew 1-1 with Chicago, missing key players like Esther González. They’ll hope to regain their form as they face Washington.

10. Angel City FC

Previous ranking: 11 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET Despite outshooting Seattle, Angel City fell 2-0. Jun Endo’s return from injury is a positive, but they need results to stay in playoff contention.

11. Bay FC

Previous ranking: 10 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 10 vs. Chicago Stars, 2 p.m. ET Bay FC drew 2-2 with Houston, failing to capitalize on home advantage. They’ll need to tighten their defense against Chicago.

12. Chicago Stars FC

Previous ranking: 13 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 10 vs. Bay FC, 2 p.m. ET Chicago earned a commendable 1-1 draw against Gotham. Ally Schlegel’s equalizer gives them hope as they head into the next match.

13. Houston Dash

Previous ranking: 12 Next match: Friday, Aug. 8 vs. NC Courage, 8 p.m. ET Houston fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Bay FC. Kiki Van Zanten’s first goal for the Dash is a bright spot, but they need more to climb the table.

14. Utah Royals

Previous ranking: 14 Next match: Friday, Aug. 8 vs. KC Current, 10 p.m. ET Utah held Orlando to a 1-1 draw, showing resilience. However, they remain at the bottom of the table and face a tough test against Kansas City.

As the NWSL season progresses, the race for the playoffs intensifies. Kansas City Current remain the team to beat, but the competition is heating up.