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The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has launched 2026 with the drama cranked up to full volume. Six red cards have already been issued across Matchday 1 and Matchday 2, compared to just 11 in the entire 2025 season.
Despite all those dismissals, only one penalty has been awarded throughout the season so far. That spot kick, given to the Houston Dash, was stopped by Boston Legacy goalkeeper Casey Murphy. Fouls have become a trademark for expansion side Boston, which currently tops the league with 37.
Two weeks in, three teams remain perfect (Angel City, Portland Thorns and Houston Dash) while two more are unbeaten (Gotham and North Carolina Courage). Meanwhile, six clubs are still searching for their first win (Racing Louisville, Denver Summit, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, Utah Royals and Boston Legacy).
It's difficult to draw firm conclusions with only two weeks of action behind us, but we'll give it our best shot — things remain fluid and will shift quickly. For now, here are Sports Illustrated's NWSL Power Rankings following Matchday 2.
NWSL Matchday 2 Results
Orlando Pride 1–1 Denver Summit
Racing Louisville 2–2 Washington Spirit
Portland Thorns 2–0 Seattle Reign
Houston Dash 3–0 Boston Legacy
Gotham FC 0–0 NC Courage
Bay FC 1–3 Angel City FC
Chicago Stars 2–1 KC Current
Utah Royals 1–2 San Diego Wave
NWSL Power Rankings: Clubs 16–11
16. Utah Royals
15. Boston Legacy
14. Chicago Stars
13. Bay FC
12. Denver Summit
11. Seattle Reign
10. Racing Louisville
Surrendering a 2–0 home lead is a bitter pill to swallow. Emma Sears has been in brilliant form to open 2026, and Racing must capitalize on that by converting opportunities into three points. Stepping back, though, a draw against one of the NWSL's stronger sides isn't a disaster. Goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer was outstanding, recording eight saves to secure a point.
9. San Diego Wave
It's hard to hand out too much praise for a slim 2–1 victory over one of the league's weakest sides, who were also reduced to 10 players. San Diego looks firmly mid-table at this point — nothing too alarming, but nothing particularly exciting either.
8. Houston Dash
Well, well, well. Back-to-back wins have made it a flawless start for the Houston Dash in 2026. Four goals scored and none conceded is a remarkable opening for a Texas club that has reached the playoffs just once in its history. The Dash currently lead the NWSL in big chances created with nine, though some caution is warranted after a dominant display against inexperienced expansion side Boston Legacy last weekend. Still, Houston has also shown some genuinely attractive passing football.
We're just gonna drop this clip for ya here...
Vote @kikivanzantenn for Goal of the Week! pic.twitter.com/RF7GexHY9z https://t.co/E9zRYWvLUL
7. North Carolina Courage
There's plenty to admire about the way new head coach Mak Lind has his side playing a somewhat more expansive style, without completely abandoning the Courage's familiar short-passing, possession-heavy approach. And all of this without MVP contender Manaka Matsukubo, who has been away on international duty helping Japan claim the Women's Asian Cup.
6. KC Current
No need to hit the panic button just yet in Kansas City, but a surprising 2–1 road loss to the Chicago Stars has certainly raised some concerns. The Current have now conceded the opening goal in both of their 2026 matches and are clearly feeling the absence of defensive midfielder Claire Hutton. This team should still be regarded as among the league's best — but the cracks are beginning to show.
5. Orlando Pride
Barbra Banda is back and looking sharper than ever. Two goals in two consecutive matches, and it could have been more had it not been for a stunning display from Denver Summit goalkeeper Abby Smith last weekend. Orlando has some depth and injury concerns, but the first-choice attack is formidable. Marta, now 40, has yet to make her 2026 debut.
Left foot magic from Jacquie, with Barbra there to seal the deal 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/3DOzBLQexU
4. Washington Spirit
Few would have predicted the Washington Spirit sitting winless after two matches in 2026. Defensive vulnerabilities are evident, yet there's plenty to admire in attack. Rosemonde Kouassi contributed two assists over the weekend, while Leicy Santos and Sofia Cantore demonstrated they have plenty of spark. A slow and imperfect beginning, but there's genuine belief in this squad, which showed tremendous resilience in clawing back from 2–0 down.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC
With consecutive clean sheets, Gotham have yet to be beaten at the back and have picked up right where they left off in prior seasons with disciplined, disruptive defending. No team has won the ball back more in the opposition's final third than Gotham (17). Emily Sonnett and Jess Carter look locked in, and team captain Tierna Davidson is now returning to action after a year on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
Welcome back, Tierna Davidson! She's back on the pitch with @GothamFC after an ACL injury last season. #GFCvsNC | @NWSL pic.twitter.com/2QWwGYOT6D
2. Angel City FC
For Angel City, 2026 marks the best start in club history after winning their first two matches of the season for the very first time. They sit atop the standings with the most goals scored (seven), while Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir is emerging as an MVP contender following a brace and an assist in the 3–1 victory over California rivals Bay FC. Critics will point to a favorable schedule (Chicago Stars, Bay FC), but you can only beat the opposition in front of you — and the L.A. side has been ruthless so far.
1. Portland Thorns
While they may not boast the same eye-catching statistics as ACFC, the Portland Thorns have arguably faced a tougher schedule (Washington Spirit, Seattle Reign) and have overcome greater adversity than any other side. Winning with 10 players is challenging. Winning with nine is virtually unheard of. The fact that Portland held their 2–0 lead for 33 minutes with nine players — without ever looking truly threatened — is the stuff of instant NWSL folklore. The 44th Cascadia Derby will be remembered for a long time. The Thorns look like the team to beat right now.
2 - On Friday, @ThornsFC became the first team in #NWSL history to outscore their opponent by multiple goals while playing with at least one fewer player(s). Rose. pic.twitter.com/D4Dmj3Jx2s
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Theo Lloyd-Hughes is a writer for Sports Illustrated Soccer based in the Southern United States. Originally from England, he can often be found in a press box across the NWSL or at international matches featuring the USWNT and other Concacaf nations.