Angel City Surges Back Into NWSL Contention with Stunning Matchday 19 Turnaround
Hollywood is experiencing pure chaos right now. Following an encouraging beginning to the campaign, Angel City unexpectedly tumbled from playoff contention into 11th position and became insignificant on the field.
Manager Alexander Straus couldn't secure victory in any of his initial six matches leading ACFC, but the Los Angeles squad has now claimed consecutive victories after defeating Bay FC 2–1 this Monday. Rising to ninth place and sitting just one point behind eighth, supporters began looking upward in the table rather than downward.
Then emerged media reports suggesting the franchise's star player and Los Angeles local Alyssa Thompson was considering a move to Chelsea FC in the English Women's Super League for a record-breaking transfer fee. What an emotional journey.
Thompson's notable absence made Angel City's victory more satisfying and remarkable. However, will Thompson remain long enough to witness this turnaround develop into a genuine playoff campaign?
Here are your NWSL power rankings following Matchday 18.
14. Bay FC (4-8-6) [Previous: 12]
At last, after several months, there's been movement at the rankings' bottom. Bay FC is experiencing a steep decline with no recovery in sight. This marks three straight losses for Bay FC. Although the 2-1 defeat to Angel City represented one of their stronger showings, roster problems are accumulating, and the manager might not have much time remaining in position.
13. Utah Royals (2-11-5) [Previous: 14]
While modest, it represents progress. The Utah Royals have climbed from the power rankings' cellar for the first time since April. KK Ream made history as the youngest scorer in NWSL regular-season play when she found the net with the decisive goal in the 85th minute of their 2–1 triumph over Portland Thorns. Energy and positive momentum exist within the team that just broke a 12-match winless run.
12. Chicago Stars (1-9-8) [Previous: 13]
Moving forward and upward. A minor climb in the rankings rewards the Chicago Stars' genuinely unusual run of five straight ties. Heavy dependence on Ludmila continues currently, but with five strikes in her last three appearances, this player is experiencing exceptional career form. That merits recognition.
11. North Carolina Courage (5-7-6) [Previous: 11]
Certainly some leadership concerns exist for North Carolina Courage, operating without a manager. Naturally, it's difficult to analyze too deeply a 2–0 road defeat against KC Current. Nearly every squad will visit CPKC Stadium and suffer losses this season. Status quo remains for the stagnant Courage.
10. NJ/NY Gotham FC (6-6-6) [Previous: 10]
Gotham achieved a crucial victory this past weekend as worries and expectations intensified around the club. Despite Orlando Pride missing several key players, traveling away and returning with three points represents a significant accomplishment. While this result certainly halts the decline, additional offensive innovation is required beyond Esther González, who has reached 12 goals this year.
9. Angel City (6-7-5) [Previous: 9]
Succeeding without your leading star and franchise face is noteworthy. Numerous questions surround consistency and which roster will complete the season, but organization and coordination seem enhanced. Riley Tiernan has now reached eight goals after breaking a five-game scoring drought.
8. Houston Dash (5-8-5) [Previous: 8]
Currently five matches unbeaten, Houston Dash enjoys their longest stretch without defeat since 2023. Following another comeback display, resulting in a 1–1 tie away to Racing Louisville, the Dash have accumulated a league-leading 12 points from trailing situations this season. Evelina Duljan provided late excitement to score her inaugural goal in Dash colors.
7. Seattle Reign (7-5-6) [Previous: 7]
A 0–0 stalemate with San Diego Wave superficially isn't extraordinary, but Seattle Reign desperately required a solid defensive showing, and delivered exactly that. The defensive trio of Lauren Barnes, Phoebe McClernon and Jordyn Bugg should feel significantly more assured following this performance. Manager Laura Harvey might reduce her tactical adjustments.
6. Portland Thorns (7-6-5) [Previous: 5]
Following a 10-game unbeaten run at Providence Park, Portland Thorns have now suffered two straight home defeats. This recent one, a 2–1 loss to Utah Royals, feels considerably more humiliating than the 2–0 setback against KC Current. The Royals exploited the Thorns through basic sequences, and warning signs may emerge for Portland's backline.
5. Orlando Pride (8-6-4) [Previous: 4]
How far might the Pride drop? Barbra Banda's injury is severely impacting Orlando. The recent loss, a 2–0 to Gotham, demonstrated how ineffective this offense currently appears while seeking fresh approaches. The additions of Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle and Elyse Bennett cannot arrive quickly enough. Realistically, 18 points behind the Current, Orlando's objective is determining their optimal XI for October's playoffs.
4. Racing Louisville (7-6-5) [Previous: 5]
The 2025 Coach of the Year contender, Bev Yanez, and Racing Louisville are climbing the rankings. A 1–1 draw with Houston Dash represents a setback, but one concerning issue is Racing has surrendered eight points from leading positions after the 86th minute. Racing matches few teams regarding intensity in this league, yet they must score more frequently and achieve consistent outcomes. Goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer remains a genuine unrecognized star.
3. San Diego Wave (8-4-6) [Previous: 3]
Another average week for San Diego Wave. A 0–0 draw with Seattle Reign did little to diminish the debate that the Wave represents the NWSL's flat-track specialist. Seeing Trinity Armstrong return to the starting XI after recent rotation was encouraging. Difficult to criticize a respectable away performance too harshly.
2. Washington Spirit (9-4-5) [Previous: 2]
Washington Spirit will regret surrendering a slim 1–0 advantage and drawing 1–1 with Chicago Stars. When the Spirit maintain full fitness, there's minimal question they rank as the league's second-best team behind the Current. But can the Spirit remain healthy? There was another strike for newcomer Sofia Cantore, who is elegantly adapting to the NWSL.
1. Kansas City Current (15-2-1) [Previous: 1]
Kansas City remains dominant. A standard 2–0 victory over the Courage did nothing to undermine the confidence or ability of the probable NWSL Shield champions. Manager Vlatko Andonovski also implemented some final roster adjustments, giving Ally Sentnor and Debinha a joint start. Lorena and the defense look invincible, having recorded five straight shutouts. Kansas City now shares the record for fastest NWSL playoff qualification.