Portland Thorns

Portland Thorns Surge to the Top After Dominating Cascadia Derby in NWSL Week 16

The Portland Thorns delivered a historic weekend performance, leaving Rose City supporters ecstatic.

Portland's commanding 4–2 victory against longtime adversaries Seattle Reign established multiple milestones: the highest-scoring Cascadia Rivalry encounter ever recorded, Portland's record 17th triumph over Seattle, the 2025 NWSL season's largest crowd at 21,811 spectators, and an unprecedented 10-game home unbeaten run for the club.

The triumph became even more satisfying as Portland surpassed Seattle in league standings, now positioned merely one point behind fourth-place San Diego Wave. Given that fourth position secures home-field advantage for October playoffs, this represents a highly desirable position.

Portland's atmosphere suggests their youth movement is thriving. At an average age of 25.5 years, the Thorns field the NWSL's youngest roster. Saturday's starting attack epitomized this freshness: Reilyn Turner at 22, Pietra Tordin at 21, and Olivia Moultrie at just 19.

Though this Thorns squad's ultimate potential remains uncertain, their young core possesses an exceptionally high ceiling.

Following are the NWSL power rankings after Matchday 15.

14. Utah Royals (1-12-3) [Previous: 14]

Despite Utah Royals' dire circumstances—sitting last in standings after trading their star to league-leading Kansas City Current—this squad demonstrates resilience. The Royals delivered two of their most determined and organized displays recently. Jimmy Coenraets's side nearly secured a point against the Current before surrendering a late goal in a 1–0 defeat. While the season appears lost, Utah still has opportunities to prove they deserve better than last place.

13. Chicago Stars (1-9-5) [Previous: 13]

Chicago Stars face an 11-game winless drought, yet they've suffered just one defeat in their previous five matches. Under interim manager Ella Masar, Chicago appears revitalized and competitive. They refuse to surrender easily. Shea Groom's powerful goal in the 1–1 weekend draw against Bay FC exemplified this fighting spirit.

12. Bay FC (4-5-6) [Previous: 12]

Bay FC's trajectory is concerning. Now four games without victory, Bay has surrendered leads in both post-summer break contests, failing to secure maximum points. Racheal Kundananji possesses MVP potential in this league, but must improve her finishing. She's attempted 34 shots across nine recent games without scoring, including a 10-shot display in last week's 2–2 draw with Houston Dash.

11. Houston Dash (4-8-3) [Previous: 12]

Houston Dash remains unbeaten with four points collected since the NWSL's resumption, with Sophie Schmidt providing crucial late goals in both fixtures. Schmidt's 95th-minute winner in the 2-1 victory over North Carolina Courage resulted from elegant movement and a crisp pass from Yazmeen Ryan. Overall, Houston hasn't been spectacular. Converting four goals from four shots on target in recent games isn't maintainable. Nevertheless, the Dash display renewed energy—a spark amid the roughness and errors. Encouraging news for Texas supporters.

10. North Carolina Courage (5-6-4) [Previous: 7]

Following the abrupt dismissal of manager Sean Nahas just 48 hours before kickoff, North Carolina Courage produced a competent display against Houston Dash. However, competent won't suffice in the NWSL. While Jaedyn Shaw returned to the starting lineup, Ashley Sanchez returned to the bench. The Courage's optimal formation and playing style remain unclear during this 2025 identity crisis.

9. Angel City (4-6-5) [Previous: 10]

Worries are mounting as manager Alex Straus remains winless through five games of his Angel City tenure. Earning a 1–1 draw against a local rival away from home isn't disastrous. At Snapdragon Stadium, Angel City overcame a sluggish first half to improve significantly after the break, deserving their draw. The positive: new signing Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir recorded her first NWSL assist. The negative: a concussion may sideline captain Sarah Gorden for approximately a week.

8. NJ/NY Gotham FC (5-5-5) [Previous: 9]

Gotham returned from the summer hiatus with consecutive draws. Goal-scoring concerns persist, with Esther Gonzalez failing to find the net in the 0–0 stalemate with the Spirit last weekend. However, considering Geyse's harsh 30th-minute dismissal for raking an opponent's ankle with her studs, Gotham showed admirable defensive discipline to secure a point and clean sheet.

7. Seattle Reign (7-5-3) [Previous: 5]

Seattle Reign delivered an atypical performance in their 4–2 defeat to Portland Thorns. This team had conceded merely 13 goals this season before Sunday, with 16.5 expected goals against (xGA). For context, Portland generated 4.3 xGA in that single match, representing 21% of the Reign's entire 2025 season xGA. Laura Harvey must examine her defensive setup, personnel, and the space her wing-backs are conceding.

6. Racing Louisville (6-6-3) [Previous: 6]

During the 1–1 draw with Orlando Pride, Racing Louisville goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer achieved something unprecedented in NWSL history: saving two penalties in one match. Tellingly, Bloomer confessed post-match that it felt like a loss, having led the defending NWSL champions for so long. Racing continues demonstrating their fighting spirit and work ethic—this team won't fade quietly.

5. Portland Thorns (7-4-4) [Previous: 7]

Among the NWSL's most entertaining teams currently, playing delightful soccer. While the Thorns' youthful attack captures attention, let's acknowledge Jessie Fleming, who's quietly enjoying an excellent second Portland season after mixed 2024 reviews. Fleming recorded her fourth seasonal assist against the Reign, while creating three additional chances and winning six of 10 duels.

4. San Diego Wave (7-4-4) [Previous: 4]

San Diego Wave has now drawn three straight matches following their weekend 1–1 result. After appearing so commanding in the season's first half, teams may be discovering how to counter the possession-focused Wave. Winger Delphine Cascarino hasn't maintained MVP form since returning from the Euros. Once she regains full sharpness, San Diego could reignite their campaign.

3. Washington Spirit (8-4-3) [Previous: 3]

A frustrating week for the Spirit, who played over an hour with numerical advantage against Gotham but couldn't capitalize. A 0–0 draw is insufficient for a team possessing such attacking quality. The Spirit will regret squandered opportunities and sluggish attacking movement, hoping Leicy Santos's return will provide additional creativity to link play.

2. Orlando Pride (9-5-1) [Previous: 2]

In one of the most chaotic 1–1 draws imaginable, Orlando Pride had two penalties saved and required a fortunate 90th-minute own goal to salvage a point against Racing Louisville. The takeaway: Julie Doyle and Angelina need penalty practice, or the team needs a new spot-kick taker when Marta is absent. The Pride may be faltering slightly, but this team knows how to find solutions. Even excluding the penalties, Orlando's expected goals differential over two recent games remains +0.9. No cause for alarm yet.

1. Kansas City Current (13-2-0) [Previous: 1]

Continuing their dominance. Kansas City Current remains far ahead as the NWSL's premier team. Temwa Chawinga again starred in the 1–0 victory over Utah Royals. Her clever chipped finish over the goalkeeper marked her fifth match-winning goal during the Current's active eight-game winning streak. By scoring in her 40th NWSL appearance, Chawinga became the fastest player to reach 30 league goals. Simply unstoppable.