Orlando Pride's Nightmare Season Continues as NWSL Matchday 20 Power Rankings Reveal Fresh Heartbreak
The lengthy drought for a Chicago Stars victory has finally ended. Following 147 days and 14 fixtures, the formerly bottom-placed Stars concluded their winless streak decisively with a remarkable and thoroughly earned 5–2 triumph against reigning NWSL champions Orlando Pride.
In many respects, this result had been building momentum. Gradually and steadily, the Stars have been displaying improved form and were already ascending the Power Rankings following seven goals scored and remaining unbeaten in their previous three contests leading up to this weekend. Additionally, there's Ludmila, who has been absolutely exceptional throughout this past month.
Conversely, the 5–2 scoreline represented the most recent in a series of setbacks for the Pride, who continue to struggle following Barba Banda's injury. Naturally, this doesn't mean anyone foresaw a team that typically allowed 0.83 goals per match would surrender five goals for the first time since 2022.
Spending half a season without securing a victory means this recent surge of goals and optimism arrives too late for the Stars to launch any genuine playoff push. However, at minimum the NWSL remains perpetually fascinating and unpredictable.
Here are your NWSL power rankings following Matchday 19.
14. Bay FC (4-10-5) [Previous: 14]
A consecutive week at the bottom. It's beginning to seem like Bay's campaign might be finished. A nine-point deficit to the playoffs appears too substantial to overcome with only seven fixtures left. There isn't much to fault regarding last weekend's 2–0 loss to the Kansas City Current, the undisputed league leaders in the NWSL. But as the season approaches its conclusion, Bay appears to lack clear direction.
13. Utah Royals (2-11-6) [Previous: 13]
Progress is gaining traction in Utah. The Royals secured another clever 1–1 stalemate away against the North Carolina Courage. A 94th-minute leveler from Paige Monaghan demonstrated once more how this squad has developed genuine resilience late in the campaign. This team appears understandably revitalized with both Mina Tanaka and Cloé Lacasse fit once again.
That's consecutive matches with goals from our No. 4 🫡 pic.twitter.com/32GBtRkwuK
12. North Carolina Courage (5-7-7) [Previous: 11]
Similar to Bay, the Courage appear without clear purpose. No acquisitions during the international transfer window, no head coach and a gradual slide from playoff contention. The positive development is that, at last, Jaedyn Shaw has returned to the starting lineup after an inconsistent season and found the net against Utah with a composed penalty conversion.
11. Chicago Stars (2-9-8) [Previous: 12]
What a transformation it has been since the summer intermission. Initially under assistant-turned-interim manager Ella Masar, and currently under new interim coach Anders Jacobson, the Stars appear like an entirely different squad. Ludmila is displaying MVP-caliber form with six goals and an assist across her last four appearances. The playoffs might be out of reach, but Chicago has become a late-season force.
Ludmila locates Bea Franklin and she employs her head to net her first of the campaign! pic.twitter.com/93HBnauvzR
10. Angel City (6-8-5) [Previous: 9]
Following the controversy surrounding Alyssa Thompson's move to Chelsea, this weekend's fixture was always destined to be a challenging examination of mindset and ability. Remarkably, Angel City delivered a characteristically Angel City display, taking an early lead through Kennedy Fuller before gradually unraveling as pressure intensified. There remains considerable talent in this roster, but it's difficult not to sense this young group is establishing foundations for 2026.
9. Seattle Reign (7-6-6) [Previous: 7]
Along with the Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign possess a strong argument for being the league's poorest team across the last five fixtures. After maintaining one of the NWSL's strongest defenses before the summer break, the Reign are now more vulnerable than ever. A 2–0 loss to the Washington Spirit witnessed the defensive line struggle significantly with distribution, positioning and late runs into the penalty area.
8. NJ/NY Gotham FC (7-6-6) [Previous: 10]
Where has this version of Gotham been throughout the season? What made the confidence-building 3-1 victory over Angel City so impressive was that Gotham didn't depend on Esther Gonzalez for scoring. The attacking threat from substitutes Midge Purce and Rose Lavelle highlighted the elevated potential this team possesses. It has been an unusual campaign for Gotham, but there are encouraging signs this team could be preparing for a strong finish.
Call it immediate influence from Gotham's Portilho 💃 pic.twitter.com/rDPmmc6tMW
7. Houston Dash (6-8-5) [Previous: 8]
Another squad that has appeared significantly improved since the summer break. The Dash remain unbeaten across their last six matches, which equals a franchise record. The 3–0 victory over the San Diego Wave represented the club's largest winning margin since May 2024, and the biggest road triumph since July 2022. Houston may have discovered the striker it was seeking in Clarissa Larisey. The Canadian, who joined from Crystal Palace in August, netted her inaugural goal and recorded her first assist for the Dash on Sunday.
First start, first NWSL goal 💥
Clarissa Larisey secures the advantage for the Houston Dash! pic.twitter.com/OrBjUHkkQL
6. Portland Thorns (8-6-5) [Previous: 6]
The Thorns halted a decline with a dramatic 2–1 away victory over Racing Louisville on Saturday. Certainly, there was considerable fortune involved in this encounter, where most would concede Racing were the superior team. After all, it was a fortunate deflected clearance that led to an own goal that secured all three points for Portland. Nevertheless, that represents a significant morale boost for a team that remains among the most creative in midfield, even during a below-average performance.
5. Orlando Pride (8-7-4) [Previous: 5]
A first appearance for the NWSL's most costly player in history, Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle, couldn't illuminate a disastrous day for the Pride, who were overwhelmed 5–2 by the Stars. The season-ending injury to Banda not only emphasizes the Zambian striker's individual excellence, but also demonstrates how much defensive focus she attracts to help liberate teammates. Orlando appears stunned and could require several weeks to discover a solution.
4. Racing Louisville (7-7-5) [Previous: 4]
Despite a 2–1 loss to the Thorns, Racing remains among the most persistent teams at both ends of the field. Defensive nuisances in challenges, Louisville also outshot Portland 24–15 but lacked the decisive finishing touch. Goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer has now stopped three penalties this season and didn't merit being on the losing side.
Bloomer to the rescue 🛟
Jordyn Bloomer's THIRD penalty save of the year! pic.twitter.com/AyFNcKkF5q
3. San Diego Wave (8-5-6) [Previous: 3]
Should there be greater worry regarding San Diego? The 3–0 defeat to the Dash represented by far the Wave's poorest showing of the season. It seems like, as the campaign has progressed, the Wave have become foreseeable, with opponents well versed in how to withstand pressure and counter effectively. Nevertheless, is there another team prepared to leap ahead of San Diego in the Power Rankings currently?
2. Washington Spirit (10-4-5) [Previous: 2]
There exists a distinct separation between the top two clubs in the NWSL and everyone else. The Washington Spirit were at their assured peak in the 2–0 triumph over the Seattle Reign, with a recovered Trinity Rodman scoring both goals and appearing like her former self. Being capable of introducing the brilliance of Croix Bethune from the bench demonstrated just how talented this roster truly is.
1. Kansas City Current (16-2-1) [Previous: 1]
Remains the standard bearer. If there exists a clear separation between the top two clubs in the NWSL and everyone else, then there is an equally obvious gap distinguishing the Kansas City Current at the summit and the Spirit in the supporting role. Temwa Chawinga scored her 12th goal of the campaign in the comfortable 2–0 victory over Bay, and there is an aura of dominance surrounding the Current presently. The Shield is nearly within their grasp.
NEVER TOO LATE FOR SOME TC6 MAGIC 🪄
With her goal, Temwa Chawinga now leads the Golden Boot Race with 12 goals this season 🔥@NWSL | #KCBABY pic.twitter.com/HBj7erSzLo