Jaedyn Shaw's Spectacular Debut Propels Gotham FC Up the NWSL Power Rankings in Matchday 21
By mid-August, NJ/NY Gotham FC suffered a stunning home loss to the Houston Dash and found themselves at risk of falling out of playoff contention. Everything seemed to be going wrong for them.
Fast forward four matches and three victories later, the squad appears completely revitalized. Gotham secured their third straight triumph with a 2–0 road win against the San Diego Wave on Friday evening, highlighted by newcomer Jaedyn Shaw coming off the substitute bench to score in her first appearance and seal the victory.
Gotham has evolved from relying too heavily on Golden Boot frontrunner Esther González to now boasting multiple offensive weapons. Shaw's acquisition, along with the fitness returns of Gabi Portilho, Rose Lavelle and Midge Purce, has this squad firing on all cylinders. The Manhattan skyline represents their ceiling.
Gotham managed just four goals across five matches prior to this three-game winning run, with González contributing two of those strikes. During their recent hot streak, Gotham has found the net seven times in three contests, while González has added only one goal. From playoff concerns to potentially claiming the No. 3 seed, Gotham is ascending.
Here are your NWSL power rankings following Matchday 20.
14. Bay FC (4-10-6) [Previous: 14]
Considering everything, this isn't a disastrous outcome for Bay. Drawing 1–1 on a challenging road trip to Florida against the defending champions is respectable. Naturally, Bay FC remains winless over nine matches dating back to June, and it appears both season's end and a fresh year cannot arrive soon enough. Nevertheless, Racheal Kundananji delivered another spectacular header.
13. Utah Royals (3-11-6) [Previous: 13]
Interesting development - just as the campaign seems nearly finished, the Utah Royals appear to be discovering their identity. A deserved 2-0 home triumph over the Houston Dash included captain Paige Monaghan's third strike in three consecutive matches. Suddenly, Utah appears structured and capable of producing quality moments. While too late for 2025 success, it represents a positive trend in performances.
12. Angel City (6-9-5) [Previous: 10]
The Alyssa Thompson move to Chelsea continues to feel like the season's pivotal moment for Angel City, who seem like a team anticipating 2026 despite remaining in playoff contention. Offensive creativity appeared at season-low levels during last weekend's 2–1 defeat to the North Carolina Courage. ACFC managed only seven attempts, with forwards Riley Tiernan and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir combining for three shots. Though credit goes to Jónsdóttir, who netted her inaugural NWSL goal since joining in July. She desperately needed that breakthrough.
11. North Carolina Courage (6-7-7) [Previous: 12]
An initial victory since dismissing manager Sean Nahas keeps the Courage's postseason aspirations breathing. Manaka Matsukubo delivered another spectacular strike, displaying exceptional technique and power while protecting possession. Matsukubo seems destined for MVP consideration or NWSL's Best XI recognition at year's end. Still, it's difficult to envision the Courage having sufficient momentum for playoff qualification.
10. Chicago Stars (2-9-9) [Previous: 11]
A 1–1 draw with the Portland Thorns maintains the Chicago Stars' unbeaten record since the summer hiatus. However, the Stars have claimed victory just once during that seven-match span. Chicago's most remarkable quality is their persistent ability to rally in contests. Once again, Chicago overcame a deficit to earn points. Bea Franklin provided the equalizer and nearly secured the winner in the 90th minute, prevented only by Mackenzie Arnold's crucial save. Chicago continues progressing.
9. Seattle Reign (7-6-6) [Previous: 9]
No outcome yet for the Seattle Reign, who were level at 0–0 when Savannah DeMelo collapsed on the field, and the match was appropriately postponed for completion on Tuesday evening. (DeMelo issued a statement confirming she awaits test results.)
8. Houston Dash (6-9-5) [Previous: 7]
The Houston Dash's excellent form concluded in Utah with a 2–0 defeat to the Royals. This represented a performance decline for Houston throughout. From goalkeeper Jane Campbell's positioning to defensive set-piece organization. Postseason hopes remain viable, but the Dash must revitalize their prospects and scoring from their attackers.
7. Portland Thorns (8-6-6) [Previous: 6]
A historic weekend for Olivia Moultrie, who became the first teenager to achieve 14 goals in the NWSL before turning 20 tomorrow. Moultrie scored a magnificent free kick to break the deadlock in Chicago, with minimal significant opportunities until Reilyn Turner squandered a chance to secure victory in second-half injury time. The Thorns have been an excellent attacking side this season and cannot afford many low-output performances like this.
6. Racing Louisville (7-7-5) [Previous: 4]
The most crucial update from Louisville currently is that DeMelo is conscious and in positive spirits at a nearby hospital, surrounded by family, friends and medical personnel, and is undergoing evaluation to determine what happened Sunday. Recognition goes to the medical team and emergency responders at Lumen Field for being prepared to address a frightening medical situation.
5. Orlando Pride (8-7-5) [Previous: 5]
The positive development for Orlando is an inaugural start and first assist for the NWSL's most costly player ever, Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle. On the surface, the 1–1 home stalemate with Bay won't generate much optimism, but the Pride dominated and likely would have prevailed with a superior striker to convert opportunities. Ally Watt scored an excellent header, but this squad is adapting to life without injured Barbra Banda.
4. San Diego Wave (8-6-6) [Previous: 3]
Another home setback for San Diego, who are spiraling downward. The 2–0 loss to Gotham highlighted the Wave's worst characteristics: possession without menace. Controlling 61% possession translated to merely two shots on target and 0.8 expected goals. It's becoming increasingly simple to devise strategies against San Diego's playing patterns. Similar to Orlando, this team requires a striker to create danger in the penalty area.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC (8-6-6) [Previous: 8]
The largest Power Rankings climb this season. Gotham has returned. General manager Yael Averbuch West made a daring decision investing $1.25 million in Jaedyn Shaw, but early indicators suggest it could tremendously benefit Gotham. The 20-year-old appeared refreshed on Friday evening, prepared to concentrate on her football and pursue a deep playoff campaign. A squad worth monitoring.
2. Washington Spirit (10-4-6) [Previous: 2]
Despite teams like Gotham FC ascending, it's reasonable to suggest the top two have separated from the remaining field. A 0–0 draw for the 10-player Spirit away to the Kansas City Current represents a solid result, creating intrigue for when these squads potentially clash again in the playoffs. Hal Hershfelt will miss time following her red card, but the Spirit's roster depth has significantly improved.
1. Kansas City Current (16-2-2) [Previous: 1]
Appreciation for the Kansas City Current's defense. Eight consecutive clean sheets now for the Current and an NWSL record-equaling 13th shutout of the 2025 campaign. It's extremely difficult to penetrate this team when they're so well-structured defensively, with every player committed to their responsibilities. From Temwa Chawinga up front to Lorena between the goalposts, this is a squad in perfect synchronization. This weekend wasn't the Current's finest performance of the season, but they rarely appeared threatened against one of the few other elite NWSL teams.