Orlando Pride's Championship Dreams Crumble as Star Striker's Injury Deepens Devastating Slide
Breaking team records is always a wonderful achievement. This past weekend, Racing Louisville chose to shatter multiple milestones.
Through their 1–0 victory over San Diego Wave, Bev Yanez's squad secured their inaugural away triumph at Snapdragon Stadium, marking the club's fourth road victory this season—a franchise first in their brief history.
Emma Sears netted the decisive goal in San Diego. This strike marked Sears's seventh goal of the campaign, making her the first Racing player to achieve seven goals in a single season.
Remember, Racing has never qualified for the NWSL playoffs since their inaugural 2021 season. While these achievements might seem modest individually, they signal a franchise ascending. A club transforming its culture and expectations in real-time. A squad prepared to advance to the next level.
Here are your NWSL power rankings following Matchday 17.
14. Utah Royals (1-12-5) [Previous: 14]
Surprisingly, the Utah Royals have become increasingly difficult to defeat. Consecutive clean sheets in two goalless draws, including their latest road result against Gotham FC, demonstrates that Jimmy Coenraets's squad won't be easily overcome. While it's challenging to move Utah from the bottom position, momentum is building positively. That 12-game winless run must conclude soon.
13. Chicago Stars (1-9-7) [Previous: 13]
The Chicago Stars truly embody their interim manager Ella Masar's character. The candid former NWSL player has transformed the Stars into a resilient unit that has now achieved two consecutive remarkable comeback 3–3 draws. Last weekend, Ludmila recorded the quickest hat trick in NWSL history (10 minutes and nine seconds) against North Carolina Courage, delivering a spectacular performance.
12. Bay FC (4-7-6) [Previous: 12]
Away from the field, Bay FC experienced an extraordinary and record-setting weekend. On Saturday, 40,091 spectators established a new NWSL attendance milestone at Oracle Park. During the match, Bay fell 3–2 to Washington Spirit through a combination of weak defending and unfortunate circumstances. The positive aspect is that despite trailing 3–0, Bay demonstrated resilience and Racheal Kundananji broke her 10-game scoring drought. However, this team's playoff hopes appear to be diminishing.
11. North Carolina Courage (5-6-5) [Previous: 11]
Worries persist regarding the Courage, who despite displaying quality moments, have exhibited poor game management across their last three matches. North Carolina surrendering 2–0 and 3–2 advantages late in the second half was inadequate for a team considering itself a playoff candidate. Naturally, there's encouragement from Manaka Matsukubo performing at exceptional levels and Jaedyn Shaw contributing crucial goals off the bench. Confidence in this team's ability to secure results is diminishing.
10. NJ/NY Gotham FC (5-6-6) [Previous: 8]
This has been an extended season of anticipating the authentic Gotham to emerge. Faith in this coaching staff and several roster names remains strong. The persistent question has been whether sufficient depth exists regarding creativity and goal production. Another 0–0 result for Gotham featuring one of this year's worst attacking first halves in the NWSL is troubling for The Bats supporters. Gotham is declining once more.
9. Angel City (5-6-6) [Previous: 9]
What a welcome relief for Los Angeles and manager Alex Straus. Following six winless matches, the Norwegian achieved his inaugural victory leading Angel City by defeating defending champions Orlando Pride, 1–0, Friday evening. Alyssa Thompson required considerable fortune to score the decisive goal. The foundation is solidifying, and with talents like Thompson, this squad's potential remains elevated despite recent struggles.
8. Houston Dash (5-8-4) [Previous: 10]
Currently unbeaten in four matches, Houston Dash delivered arguably their finest performance this season in a 1–1 draw with Seattle Reign. One defensive lapse and loose marking in the penalty area prevented Houston from claiming victory. Scoring opportunities remain limited, but passing, movement, and defensive organization have all significantly improved. What heights can they reach?
7. Seattle Reign (7-6-4) [Previous: 7]
Questions remain about Sofia Huerta's suitability for the right side of a three-defender formation, but her ball-handling quality is unquestionable. Against the Dash, Huerta established the record for most assists in NWSL regular season history with a perfectly weighted cross for Jordyn Huitema.
6. Portland Thorns (7-5-5) [Previous: 5]
Portland Thorns' perfect home record ended with a 2–0 defeat to Kansas City Current. Losing to the Current is typical in this league, making it difficult to overanalyze this result. Hina Sugita delivered an outstanding performance against elite competition. Even facing the strongest teams, Portland's midfield excels.
5. Racing Louisville (7-6-4) [Previous: 6]
As mentioned earlier, this represented another outstanding week for the Kentucky franchise. Racing endured an exceptionally challenging five-game stretch, confronting San Diego Wave, Washington Spirit, KC Current, and Orlando Pride twice. Earning eight points with only one loss from that demanding schedule against the NWSL's elite teams suggests it might be time to move Louisville higher up the rankings.
4. Orlando Pride (9-6-2) [Previous: 2]
No NWSL team endured a more devastating week than Orlando Pride, who announced losing star striker Barba Banda to a season-ending injury. Combined with the Banda news and a 1–0 road loss at Angel City, we must now observe whether Orlando can recover from this setback. The addition of world-record transfer Jacquie Ovalle should help elevate team spirit and attacking quality.
3. San Diego Wave (8-5-4) [Previous: 2]
Undoubtedly, San Diego ranks among the NWSL's most capable teams. Nevertheless, the Wave's possession-based approach tends to be more effective against weaker league opponents. Factor in their expected goals over-performance during the season's first half, and it appears the Wave might be returning to more realistic levels.
2. Washington Spirit (9-4-4) [Previous: 3]
Washington Spirit's 3–2 victory over Bay FC wasn't flawless, but head coach Adrián González's ability to field Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, and Leicy Santos together in the starting lineup is significant for this team. After a lengthy season of rotation, the Spirit's optimal version is approaching. Rodman played 77 minutes in last weekend's victory, a season-high for the U.S. women's national team standout.
1. Kansas City Current (14-2-1) [Previous: 1]
Defeating Kansas City Current after they take the lead is nearly impossible. Therefore, when Ellie Wheeler scored just 55 seconds into their 2–0 victory over Portland Thorns, the outcome seemed decided. Temwa Chawinga leads with 11 goals as the standout performer, but the defensive unit deserves recognition. The Current has achieved five straight shutouts and allowed the fewest goals in the NWSL (10). Kansas City excels at both ends of the field.